Elevation and Depth theme
The Elevation and Depth theme consists of height-related datasets the have been derived or captured from a sensor attached to an aircraft, satellite, drone, boat or ground-based equipment.
What is the Elevation and Depth theme?
Elevation and Depth data provides information about the vertical position of the Earth’s surface, both above and below a defined reference level. It measures land height and seabed depth using technologies such as LiDAR, sonar, radar and optical sensors.
The theme produces a range of outputs, including:
- contours
- spot heights
- point clouds
- relative heights
- digital elevation models.
The purpose of the theme is to create a consistent, high-quality representation of terrain and bathymetry that can be shared across government and industry.
This theme helps organisations understand how landforms and water depths influence natural processes and human activities, and underpins critical applications such as:
- flood modelling
- infrastructure planning
- environmental management
- emergency response.
Data sourcing
Spatial Services is the source of truth for the Elevation and Depth theme. We work with NSW government agencies to:
- coordinate elevation data acquisition across NSW
- operate a LiDAR capture program that supports whole-of-government outcomes.
Priority is given to emergency requests and captures undertaken for specialty or priority projects.
Elevation and Depth data purchased by NSW government agencies through the Remote Sensing Services and Equipment (ReSSE) Prequalification scheme is a key component of this theme.
Spatial Services will continue to source, capture and create an accurate elevation data coverage of NSW. We aim to integrate the best available data and provide updates across the state.
The datasets are integrated from multiple government programs and jurisdictions into national platforms such as the Elevation Information System (ELVIS), which provides centralised access to Elevation and Depth data.
Technical information
Datasets for this theme comply with the following:
- AS/NZS ISO 19115
- Intergovernmental Committee on Surveying and Mapping (ICSM) guidelines.
Datasets in the theme
What’s in the dataset?
Contours are line features that represent an imaginary line connecting points of equal height relative to the Australian Height Datum (AHD). It includes standard, depression and ancillary contours, derived from aerial photography or LiDAR.
Dataset uses
Contour data provides a continuous representation of terrain shape and elevation patterns across NSW. It supports applications such as navigation (air, sea and land), climate and hazard modelling, emergency response, water and environmental management, boundary definition, defence activities, and natural resource exploration.
Spatial Services
What’s in the dataset?
The Spot Heights dataset contains point features representing specific locations on the Earth’s surface with an assigned elevation value referenced to a vertical datum. These points are derived from ground or photogrammetric surveys and are part of the NSW Digital Topographic Database (DTDB).
Dataset uses
Spot height data provides precise elevation values at discrete locations, forming a reliable reference layer for terrain representation. It supports applications such as navigation, climate and hazard analysis, emergency planning, water and environmental management, infrastructure design, boundary delineation, defence operations, and resource exploration.
What’s in the dataset?
The Relative Heights dataset contains point features representing the vertical height of features such as cliff faces relative to surrounding terrain. These measurements describe localised elevation differences rather than absolute height and are part of the NSW Digital Topographic Database (DTDB).
Dataset uses
Relative height data captures local vertical variation, contributing to a more detailed understanding of terrain structure. It supports decision-making across navigation, hazard assessment, emergency management, environmental and water planning, engineering projects, boundary definition, defence, and resource exploration.
What’s in the dataset?
The Point Cloud dataset consists of dense collections of 3D points captured using a LiDAR sensor or derived from airborne imagery through photogrammetric techniques. These datasets provide highly detailed representations of terrain and surface features.
To view our latest LiDAR product specifications please refer to Elevation Data Product Specification and Description (PDF 584.88KB).
Dataset uses
Point cloud data provides a time-specific digital record of the landscape, enabling detailed spatial analysis. It supports flood modelling, water catchment management, infrastructure planning, and environmental assessment, allowing users to derive highly accurate elevation and feature information.
Spatial Service
What’s in the dataset?
The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) dataset provides a bare earth representation of the Earth’s surface derived from point cloud data. It includes LiDAR-derived DEMs at various resolutions and photogrammetric derived DEMs at 5m resolution.
To view our latest DEM product specifications please refer to Elevation Data Product Specification and Description (PDF 584.88KB).
Dataset uses
DEM data provides a consistent surface model to support spatial analysis and decision-making. It is widely used for flood modelling, water catchment analysis, infrastructure planning, and environmental management, offering a reliable representation of terrain for government and industry applications.
Spatial Services
View the datasets
The NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal (SCP) gives everyone the ability to search and discover spatial datasets.
Spatial Services’ point cloud and DEM data is available to freely download from the ELVIS Elevation Platform.