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The 3D Elevation Program and Energy for the Nation

Fact Sheet 2019-3051
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20193051

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Abstract

High-resolution light detection and ranging (lidar) data are used in energy infrastructure siting, design, permitting, construction, and monitoring to promote public safety through the reduction of risks. For example, lidar data are used to identify safe locations for energy infrastructure by analyzing terrain parameters and identifying and evaluating geologic hazards (for example, landslide and fault locations) and their potential public safety effects on the location or design of infrastructure. Increasingly, engineering companies and regulatory agencies are using lidar and other remote sensing techniques as an efficient method to collect accurate, comprehensive data while reducing risks to field personnel.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is collecting lidar data nationwide (interferometric synthetic aperture radar [IfSAR] data in Alaska) to support a wide range of applications, including projects related to energy infrastructure construction and safety. Renewable energy resources, resource mining, and oil and gas resources were identified by the National Enhanced Elevation Assessment as business uses requiring three-dimensional (3D) elevation data.

Elevation data are critical in assessing potential sites for energy infrastructure, such as pipelines, refineries and other facilities, to mitigate risks from natural hazards. For example, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), an independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil, uses enhanced elevation data to conduct National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance assessments. The acquisition of high-resolution lidar data by the USGS 3DEP initiative helps the FERC and NEPA permit applicants by providing accurate and consistent data for hazards analysis. The use of these data accelerates the application and review process and avoids the much higher costs of acquiring elevation data along proposed energy facility locations and pipeline corridors.

Suggested Citation

Thatcher, C.A., Lukas, Vicki, and Stoker, J.M., 2020, The 3D Elevation Program and energy for the Nation: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2019–3051, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20193051.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Energy Infrastructure and High-Quality Three-Dimensional Elevation Data
  • Uses of Three-Dimensional Elevation Data in the Energy Sector
  • Reference Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The 3D Elevation Program and energy for the Nation
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2019-3051
DOI 10.3133/fs20193051
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) National Geospatial Program
Description 2 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details