—Steve Nechero, USDA NRCS NCGC
NRCS has national requirements for high quality elevation data. We have developed a national strategy for elevation products and services and we support a multi-resolution and sensor approach to creating elevation for the nation. The implementation plan is to acquire, integrate, and deliver high quality digital elevation data that meets NRCS geospatial requirements. High quality digital elevation data will support the Agency business activities by improving employee effectiveness and efficiency in providing assistance to our customers. Digital elevation data is a complex subject with multi-resolution products, a variety of sources, and many varied applications that are expanding as new technology is tested and implemented. The benefits that have been documented in case studies and end user experiences are significant enough to evaluate the optimum process and products to implement the use of high resolution elevation data agency wide.