uky geography

Kentucky elevation profile maker

Kentucky has multiple statewide elevation layers derived from lidar point clouds. KyFromAbove Phase 1 lidar has both a 5-foot resolution ground (bare-earth) and above-ground (trees and buildings) elevation models hosted as open raster data.

We can query these layers to find ground and surface feature elevations at specific locations, such as along a line. These elevation profiles are useful in urban planning, environmental studies, and infrastructure development.

Create elevation profiles and save the data as JSON.

boydx.github.io/ky-profiles.

Below are a screenshots from the web page.

Twin Knobs show ground and trees

Kentucky Capitol is 209 feet tall

Creating multiple profiles at Laurel Lake

Downloading them as JSON for use in other applications

Shaded relief and 3D visualization in the browser

KyFromAbove has long produced elevation datasets for the public. Using their Phase II lidar point clouds, we created a new shaded relief and DEM raster tile sets for web mapping. While most mapping applications focus on ground elevations, we use the above-ground elevations to make a digital surface model (DSM). These elevations show buildings, trees, and even cars.

These above-ground elevations, however, have unique challenges. The latest project attempts to minimize errors and create visually impactful shaded relief and RGB terrain layers from DEMs for elevations.

Check out the preview here: outrageGIS.com/maps/new-circle