National Geospatial Program: Building The National Map

The National Map is a collaborative effort among the USGS and other Federal, State, Universities, and local partners to improve and deliver topographic information for the Nation. The 3D National Topography Model, including the 3D Elevation Program

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program provides opportunities for partnering with the USGS and other Federal agencies to acquire high-resolution 3D elevation and 3D hydrography data to support the 3D National Topography Model (3DNTM). The collaboration across the Nation responds to a growing need for high-quality elevation and hydrography data which benefit society in array of critically significant applications such as flood-risk management, natural-hazard evaluation and mitigation, and agriculture. The USGS collaborates with State, Tribal, local, academic, and private sector partners to acquire data which are made publicly available and form the base of the elevation and hydrography components of The National Map.

Proposals from State, Local, Interstate, Federally or State recognized Indian Tribal Governments, US Territories and Possessions, Institutions of Higher Education, Private Foundations, and Nonprofit Organizations are invited. Due to limited availability of funding to support new external projects, consultation with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is strongly recommended prior to submission of applications.

Interstate, State, intrastate, and local government agencies, educational institutions, private firms, private foundations, nonprofit organizations, Federally-acknowledged or state-recognized Native American tribes or groups, U.S. territories and possessions, public decision makers, research scientists, engineers, graduate students, students/trainees, and the general public will ultimately benefit from knowledge gained under the program.

Applications must be for data collection and research projects which are consistent with the objectives of the National Geospatial Program. The majority of funds are used to support new data collections that will enhance The National Map and to research new methods to use those data. For further information, please contact the headquarters office. For further information, please contact the regional office.

Program obligates funds and sends a notice of award to successful applicants. Recipients request funds in accordance with 2 CFR 200, Subpart E-Cost Principles, unless otherwise dictated by program-specific legislation or special award terms. Program will include any special payment terms and conditions in the notice of award.

Panels of expert geographers, cartographers, physical scientists and geodesists within the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will review and evaluate all applications consistent with authorized USGS program purposes. Criteria for judging applications will include scientific excellence and relevance to the mission of the National Geospatial Program of the USGS . Other factors include geographic location and areal extent, value to potential partners, technical qualifications of the recipients, and amount of matching funds.

Notification of an award is by receipt of a grant or cooperative agreement from a U.S. Geological Survey contracting officer.

See program announcement or contact Susan Buto at NGP Headquarters for details.

One to six months.

Not applicable except that application may be revised and resubmitted.