The most complete terrain map of the Earth's surface has been published. | Hacker News Reader

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

news.bbc.co.uk

44 pointszzkt10 comments

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

[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

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

No, NASA is not user friendly.

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

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