The most complete terrain map of the Earth's surface has been published.

ghshephard · on June 30, 2009

I feel like a troll even suggesting that this isn't an amazing accomplishment, but did anybody else do a double-take when they read:

"For the Aster measurements, local elevation was mapped with each point just 30m apart. "

That's an impressive number of points for the entire earth's surface, it just doesn't strike me as being particularly remarkable in 2009, and I'm surprised that it is the _most complete_ terrain map.

I suspect I'm revealing my supreme ignorance of the state of GIS here, but I'd be interested in hearing what other people's thoughts are.

TrevorJ · on June 30, 2009

Does it say where it is published? I can't seem to find it.

kirubakaran · on June 30, 2009

I googled a bit and found this : http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2009-103

shizcakes · on June 30, 2009

Their interface is pretty unusable. They need a "I want maps" button.

TrevorJ · on June 30, 2009

Par for the course I am afraid. I've had to get ahold of NASA data before for some of the graphics work I've done in the past, and it's always a headache.

biohacker42 · on June 30, 2009

The resulting Global Digital Elevation Map covers 99% of the Earth's surface, and will be free to download and use.

Who'll be first to integrate this, google maps or bing, or somebody else? Who ever it is, I can't wait.

bmickler · on June 30, 2009

Anyone have a link to the map site? I've checked nasa.gov but no luck.

kirubakaran · on June 30, 2009

[From the link in the another comment I have posted here]

For visualizations of the new Aster topographic data, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/20090629.html

Data users can download the Aster global digital elevation model at: https://wist.echo.nasa.gov/~wist/api/imswelcome and http://www.gdem.aster.ersdac.or.jp

TweedHeads · on June 30, 2009

Hmm, a better way to expose and consume this information would be highly appreciated.

No, NASA is not user friendly.

sp332 · on June 30, 2009

Usually true, but their World Wind software is only unfriendly compared too Google Earth or MS Earth programs. http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/