Geospatial data

Geospatial data are explicitly defined across geographic space. Coordinates define where they belong.

The geospatial data landscape is complex and constantly evolving. The Map and Geospatial Hub is here to help you navigate that landscape to aid your research and other projects.

Arizona Portals

ASU GeoData

With ASU GeoData, you can discover and explore multiple forms of geographically-referenced data, including vector layers, maps, aerial photos, and more.

ASU GeoData shares the data, map, and imagery resources managed by the Hub, but it also compiles and provides direct access to other organizations' geospatial data sites. This includes data sites for major ASU research initiatives and various government agencies in Arizona.

AZGeo Data

AZGeo Data Hub is a cooperative data platform project sponsored by the Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC). AZGeo is hosted by the Arizona State Land Department and staffed by the Arizona Land Resources Information System (ALRIS). AZ Geo is the best place to find authoritative data contributed by various state agencies.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing method that involves shooting pulses of light to determine ranges (distances) of objects. Raw LiDAR data come in the form of dense point clouds. Derived LiDAR products include a wide range of three-dimensional data outputs, including digital surface, terrain, and other extracted features.

Metro Phoenix LiDAR Data

LiDAR and LiDAR-derived data initially acquired in 2014 from the USGS. Data were pre-released to ASU for public consumption in 2017.

The USGS Metro Phoenix LiDAR Data Index provides an interactive web map for viewing the available data. Information about the index layers and tiles can be found in the Details tab of the web map. Please use the Map and Geospatial Hub Service Request form to request LiDAR data. More information about the data can also be found here.

OpenTopography

The OpenTopography project facilities community access to high-resolution, Earth science-oriented topography data and related tools and resources. It is one of the largest open access repositories of LiDAR data in existence.

Users can access both raw (point cloud) and derived (raster) surface layers for various regions, as well as generate lower-resolution digital elevation model data from other sources (e.g., SRTM) for the same region on the fly.

Arizona Geographic Information Council logo

Arizona LiDAR Coverage Explorer

The Arizona LiDAR Coverage Explorer maintained by the Arizona Geographic Information Council (AGIC) is a web map that provides information about upcoming and existing LiDAR data in Arizona.

Dataset information is available either by clicking on a project in the Datasets in View panel on the left or a project outline in the map. Information about how to acquire the LiDAR data is shown in the pop-up. More information about LiDAR in Arizona can be found by visiting the AGIC LiDAR Workgroup site.

 

ASU Geospatial Data Directory

ASU Library holds thousands of geospatial data layers, pertaining primarily to the metro Phoenix, greater Arizona, and American Southwest regions. They are increasingly getting uploaded to and shared via ASU GeoData.

ASU affiliates can gain direct access to these data by accessing the ASU Geospatial Data Directory. 

ASU Virtual Private Network (VPN)

You must be on the ASU campus network or connected via Cisco AnyConnect SSL VPN in order to access these network shares. 

Please see ASU’s documentation for instructions on installing and using the VPN on PC/Linux or Mac.

To access the geospatial data directory on a PC, please follow the steps below:

  • Open File Explorer from the taskbar or press Windows logo key + E
  • Select This PC from the left pane. Then, on the Computer tab, select Map Network Drive
  • In the Drive list, select a drive letter. (Use any letter available. We use "M".) 
  • In the Folder field, enter the server address: \\libfile.lib.asu.edu\share\mapgeo\pub
    • To connect every time you log on to your PC, select the Reconnect at sign-in check box
    • Select Connect using different credentials
    • Click Finish
  • In the "Enter Network Credentials" dialog box, enter the ASU domain followed by your ASURITE username:
    • Students: ASUAD\jdoe2
    • Faculty and Staff: ASURITE\jdoe2
  • Enter your ASURITE password and click OK
  • You will now see the geospatial data directory in File Explorer

To access the geospatial data directory on a Mac, please follow the steps below:

  • Click on Finder (or single-click anywhere on the Desktop to open Finder)
  • Select "Go" from the top menu and click “Connect to server” (or use Command + K)
  • Enter the server address: libfile.lib.asu.edu/share/mapgeo/pub
    • Click “+” next to the server address to add the server to your favorite servers
  • Click Connect
  • Select “Connect as: Registered User”
  • Enter the ASU domain followed by your ASURITE username
    • Students: ASUAD\jdoe2
    • Faculty and Staff: ASURITE\jdoe2
  • Enter your ASURITE password and click Connect
  • You will now see the geospatial data directory in File Explorer