Early due diligence
Use the result to understand whether a site is generally low, high, or sloped before you commission a survey, design work, or a construction budget.
Public USGS 3DEP data
USGS Terrain Elevation Lookup
Enter a U.S. property address to see the approximate terrain elevation returned by the official U.S. Geological Survey Elevation Point Query Service. The result is sourced from the public 3D Elevation Program (3DEP), not a private proxy or paid data vendor.
Address lookup
Find terrain elevation
We geocode the address, then your browser calls the official USGS EPQS endpoint directly. No API key is required.
Use a full street address, city, and state. The address geocoder supports U.S. locations.
Your terrain result will appear here.
The result will include the matched address, terrain elevation, coordinates, and the USGS fields available for that point.
Use the result correctly
A fast terrain screen, not a survey or flood determination
USGS EPQS returns an interpolated terrain elevation from the 3DEP dynamic elevation service at the geocoded point. It is useful for early site screening, comparing general terrain, and deciding when to obtain formal project information. It is not a property boundary analysis, surveyed benchmark, finished-floor elevation, building elevation, FEMA flood zone, Base Flood Elevation, Elevation Certificate, or permit document.
Flood planning
Terrain elevation is not flood data. Compare it only after reviewing the FEMA flood zone and published BFE, then verify the governing requirements with the local floodplain administrator.
Permit-ready decisions
For construction, substantial improvement, a LOMA question, or an insurance decision, use surveyor-issued information and the documents required by the jurisdiction or lender.
When elevation and flood information need to work together
A terrain value alone does not tell you whether a project is in a flood hazard area or how high it must be built. Use the flood lookup for a preliminary FEMA zone, BFE, FIRM-panel, and floodway screen. For an actual project, confirm the applicable map, local freeboard, survey information, and design scope before plans are finalized.
Frequently asked questions
Is this an Elevation Certificate?
No. An Elevation Certificate is a project-specific document prepared by an appropriately licensed professional using surveyed information. USGS EPQS gives an interpolated terrain value at a geocoded point.
Can I use this result to determine a FEMA flood zone or BFE?
No. FEMA flood-zone and BFE information comes from the National Flood Hazard Layer and effective FIRM materials. Use the flood lookup for a preliminary screen, then confirm requirements with the local floodplain administrator.
Why might the result differ from a survey or a local benchmark?
USGS explains that EPQS interpolates values from elevation models, and the available source data varies by location. A geocoded point may also differ from the specific location a surveyor measures on a lot or building.
What does the acquisition date or source resolution mean?
When the USGS response includes those fields, this page displays them exactly as returned. They describe the source raster available to EPQS, not a property-specific inspection or certification.