The MNIT geospatial team with members from from DNR, MnGeo, and state, federal, education and private partners, were awarded the Governors Geospatial Commendation Award for the Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project. The Commendation Award recognizes a commitment to coordinated, affordable, reliable and effective use of GIS to improve services within Minnesota.

The Minnesota Elevation Mapping Project, led by Tim Loesch, MNIT@DNR, developed and delivered a high-accuracy digital elevation dataset of the State of Minnesota using data collected with LiDAR technology. LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses pulsed laser lights to measure variable distances to the Earth. This creates an accurate picture of the of the states topography.

Ron Wencl, USGS; Collin Lee, MnDOT; Tim Loesch, MNIT DNR,
Dan Ross, MnGeo; Nancy Rader, MnGeo; Les Everett, U of M.

Accurate topographic information enhances the ability of decision makers and resource managers to better understand Minnesotas landscape and provides the foundation for developing innovative, effective, and defensible resource management strategies. Minnesota is now one of very few states to have complete LiDAR coverage that is viewable and downloadable for anyone to use.

LiDAR photo of the Minnesota State Capitol

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was the projects lead agency, and the Minnesota Legacy Amendments Clean Water Fund provided base funding to ensure that the project could be completed. Major collaborating organizations were MnGeo, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the University of Minnesota and the U.S. Geological Survey. Additional contributors were the Digital Elevation Committee, LiDAR Research and Education Subcommittee, and county partners.

Congrats to the geospatial team and its partners!