The easiest way to download global elevation data for free

The Global Elevation Data Download Tool is a simple web-based application that lets you download elevation data from OpenTopography for any region in the world.

Just draw a rectangle on the interactive map to select your area of interest, choose your preferred dataset (like SRTM or ALOS World 3D) and output format (GeoTiff, ASCII Grid, or IMG), then click download.

Before using the tool, you’ll need an OpenTopography API key – getting one is quick and free. Simply visit opentopography.org/newUser sign up for an account, and your API key will be generated instantly. Once you have your key, paste it into the tool’s API key field and you’re ready to start downloading elevation data.

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.