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Interactive Elevation Map : Mollusk Virginia

Interactive Elevation Map: Mollusk Virginia

The Elevation map provides an interactive (Google Maps) experience, use it to explore topographic features in and around Mollusk, such as lakes, rivers, and other water bodies, providing detailed views of Virginia’s waterways.

This map helps users learn more about the topography of the landscape features in and around Mollusk. Use the contour layer to quickly and easily understand the elevation, height and topography of the landscape for the city of Mollusk, the hillshade layer provides extra detail and will help identify and understand small-scale changes in the landscape.

Rivers and Lakes Map

Using the Elevation map of Mollusk

The map is easy to navigate: you can pan around Mollusk by clicking and dragging, and zoom in or out using the controls in the corner of the map. Use the search box on the right-hand side to quickly find any location

The map includes multiple layers you can toggle on and off using the layer control panel. These layers include:

Imagery Layer: The imagery layer provides satellite imagery from the USGS, offering a real-world visual representation of the landscape. This layer allows users to see the natural and human-made features in the area, making it easier to identify locations and understand the terrain’s characteristics.

Hillshade Layer: The elevation layer provides detailed elevation data from the 3DEP program, allowing users to visualize changes in terrain and topography. This layer is especially useful for understanding the physical landscape, planning outdoor activities, or conducting research that requires elevation information. The elevation layer is automatically turned on when zooming in to certain levels, ensuring users get the most relevant detail when they need it.

Contour Layer: The contour layer displays lines that represent changes in elevation across the landscape ( measured in feet), this helps with the understanding of the terrain’s shape and slope. Contour lines are particularly useful for interpreting the gradient of the land, identifying hills, valleys, and flat areas, and are essential for activities like hiking, land management, and environmental planning.

Where did the data for this map come from?

This map uses 3DEP Data

The 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) is a groundbreaking initiative managed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program. This program provides high-quality topographic data and three-dimensional representations of natural and constructed features across the United States. 3DEP data is crucial for a wide range of applications, from ensuring immediate safety of life, property, and environment to long-term planning for infrastructure projects.

3DEP data is primarily collected using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology for most of the country, with IfSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) used in Alaska. These advanced remote sensing methods allow for the creation of highly accurate digital elevation models. LiDAR works by emitting laser pulses from an aircraft and measuring the time it takes for the pulses to bounce back, creating a detailed 3D map of the terrain below.

3DEP involves partnerships between federal agencies, state and local governments, tribes, academic institutions, and private sector companies. This collaborative approach ensures that the data collected meets the diverse needs of users across various sectors, including emergency response, natural resource management, urban planning, and scientific research.

As of fiscal year 2023, 94.7% of the nation has elevation data available or in progress that meets 3DEP specifications. This extensive coverage provides an invaluable resource for decision-makers, researchers, and planners across the country.

Practical Uses of 3DEP Data in Mollusk

  1. Flood Risk Management: Identify low-lying areas and potential flood zones to improve emergency planning and zoning regulations.
  2. Urban Planning and Development: Analyze terrain for optimal building placement and infrastructure design.
  3. Stormwater Management: Design efficient drainage systems and determine the best locations for retention ponds.
  4. Transportation Planning: Plan and optimize routes for new roads, bike paths, and pedestrian walkways based on terrain.
  5. Green Space Planning: Identify suitable areas for parks and urban forests, considering slope and sunlight exposure.
  6. Solar Panel Placement: Determine optimal locations and angles for solar panel installations on buildings and in solar farms.
  7. Landslide Risk Assessment: Identify areas prone to landslides or soil erosion for targeted mitigation efforts.
  8. Wireless Communication Planning: Optimize the placement of cell towers and other communication infrastructure for maximum coverage.
  9. Urban Heat Island Analysis: Study the relationship between elevation, built environment, and heat retention to plan cooling strategies.
  10. Emergency Response Planning: Create detailed 3D maps for first responders to navigate during crises.
  11. Water Supply Management: Model water flow and identify potential locations for reservoirs or water treatment facilities.
  12. Accessibility Analysis: Assess terrain challenges for mobility-impaired residents and plan improvements.
  13. Historic Preservation: Document and monitor changes in historic landscapes and structures over time.
  14. Air Quality Modeling: Understand how terrain affects air flow and pollutant dispersion in the city.
  15. Urban Forestry: Plan tree-planting initiatives considering elevation, slope, and existing vegetation.
  16. Noise Pollution Mapping: Model how terrain affects noise propagation from highways or industrial areas.
  17. Viewshed Analysis: Determine the visual impacts of new developments on scenic views and plan accordingly.
  18. Underground Infrastructure Planning: Use surface data to better plan and maintain subsurface utilities and transportation systems.
  19. Climate Change Adaptation: Model potential impacts of sea-level rise or increased precipitation on the city’s infrastructure.
  20. Precision Agriculture in Urban Farms: Optimize urban farming initiatives by understanding microclimates created by the city’s terrain.