The easiest way to download global elevation data for free
Global Elevation Data Download Tool
How to Use the Tool
- Navigate the Map:
- Use the zoom controls (+/-) or your mouse wheel to zoom in/out.
- Click and drag to pan across the map.
- Draw a Rectangle:
- Click the rectangle icon in the top left corner of the map.
- Click and drag on the map to draw a rectangle around your area of interest.
- Select a Dataset:
- Choose a dataset from the dropdown menu labelled “Select Dataset”.
- Each dataset has different coverage areas and resolutions (see dataset details below).
- Choose Output Format:
- Select your preferred file format from the “Select Output Format” dropdown.
- Download Data:
- Click the “Download Data” button that appears after drawing a rectangle.
- Wait for the data to be processed and downloaded.
- Clear Selection:
- To start over, click the “Clear Rectangle” button to remove your current selection.
Available Datasets
- SRTM GL3 (90m):
- Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Global 3 arc-second
- Resolution: Approximately 90 meters
- Coverage: Near-global (60°N – 56°S)
- SRTM GL1 (30m):
- SRTM Global 1 arc-second
- Resolution: Approximately 30 meters
- Coverage: Near-global (60°N – 56°S)
- SRTM GL1 Ellipsoidal (30m):
- SRTM Global 1 arc-second with ellipsoidal heights
- Resolution: Approximately 30 meters
- Coverage: Near-global (60°N – 56°S)
- ALOS World 3D (30m):
- Advanced Land Observing Satellite World 3D
- Resolution: 30 meters
- Coverage: Global (82°N – 82°S)
- ALOS World 3D Ellipsoidal (30m):
- ALOS World 3D with ellipsoidal heights
- Resolution: 30 meters
- Coverage: Global (82°N – 82°S)
- SRTM15Plus (500m):
- Global Bathymetry SRTM15+ V2.1
- Resolution: 15 arc-seconds (approximately 500 meters)
- Coverage: Global, including ocean bathymetry
- NASADEM:
- NASA’s improved version of SRTM
- Resolution: 1 arc-second (approximately 30 meters)
- Coverage: Near-global (60°N – 56°S)
- COP30 (Copernicus Global DSM 30m):
- Copernicus Digital Surface Model
- Resolution: 1 arc-second (approximately 30 meters)
- Coverage: Global
- COP90 (Copernicus Global DSM 90m):
- Copernicus Digital Surface Model at lower resolution
- Resolution: 3 arc-seconds (approximately 90 meters)
- Coverage: Global
- EU_DTM (30m):
- European Union Digital Terrain Model
- Resolution: 1 arc-second (approximately 30 meters)
- Coverage: Limited to EU member states
- GEDI_L3 (1000m):
- Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation Lidar
- Resolution: 1 kilometer
- Coverage: Global forested areas
- GEBCOIceTopo (500m):
- General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans Ice Surface
- Resolution: Approximately 500 meters
- Coverage: Global, including ice sheets
- GEBCOSubIceTopo (500m):
- GEBCO Sub-Ice Topography
- Resolution: Approximately 500 meters
- Coverage: Global, including under-ice topography
Available Output Formats
- GeoTiff (GTiff):
- Georeferenced TIFF format
- Suitable for use in most GIS and remote sensing software
- Arc ASCII Grid (AAIGrid):
- Simple ASCII format for raster data
- Easy to read and import into various software
- Erdas Imagine (.IMG):
- Proprietary raster format
- Commonly used in remote sensing and image processing
Notes on Usage
- The size of the area you can download may be limited based on the dataset and server constraints.
- Processing and download times can vary depending on the size of the selected area and the chosen dataset’s resolution.
- Some datasets may have gaps or areas of no data, especially in regions with challenging terrain or limited satellite coverage.
- Always check the metadata and attribution requirements for the dataset you’re using, as different sources may have different usage policies.
Troubleshooting
- If the download fails, try selecting a smaller area or a lower resolution dataset.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection when using the tool and downloading data.
- If you encounter persistent issues, try clearing your browser cache or using a different web browser.
Remember to use the downloaded data responsibly and in accordance with the terms of use for each dataset provider.