Data Sources
The data behind OnlineTopoMap
Building a detailed topographic map takes a range of geographic data. For the maps on OnlineTopoMap, several data sources are processed and combined in order to show terrain, elevation information, roads, paths, water bodies and other geographic features in as much detail as possible.
This page sets out openly which sources are drawn on to create and develop the maps.
Data sources used
1. OpenStreetMap
OpenStreetMap is an open geographic database containing information on roads, paths, buildings, water bodies, boundaries and many other geographic features.
Source: https://www.openstreetmap.org/
Licence: ODbL
2. Lidar DTM by Sonny
Sonny’s LiDAR DTM provides processed digital terrain models (DTMs) for Europe, based largely on high-resolution national LiDAR data. The data is merged, processed and published at various resolutions down to 0.5 arc seconds. It is particularly suited to contour lines, topographic maps, terrain analysis and 3D visualisations. The models are released under CC BY 4.0.
Source: SONNY’s LiDAR DIGITAL TERRAIN MODELS of EUROPE
Licence: CC BY 4.0
3. Copernicus DEM
Copernicus DEM is a global digital elevation model provided by the European Union. It is based on radar data from the TanDEM-X mission and offers a resolution of up to 30 metres depending on the dataset. It is used for topographic maps, contour lines, 3D visualisations and terrain analysis, among other things.
Source: Copernicus DEM
Licence: DEM licensing terms
4. GEBCO Bathymetry
GEBCO (General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans) is an international project producing bathymetric and elevation data. It provides global digital terrain models of the sea floor and land surface, used for maps, 3D visualisations, marine research and geodata applications.
5. Mapterhorn
Mapterhorn is an open-source project for digital terrain and elevation data. It provides worldwide terrain tiles as well as high-resolution regional terrain data, suitable for 3D maps, hillshading, contour lines and web maps.
Source: Mapterhorn
Licence: BSD-3
6. Wikidata
Wikidata is a collaboratively maintained knowledge base providing structured data on people, places, organisations, geographic features and many other subjects. The data is used for maps, geodata applications and for linking information from different sources.
Source: Wikidata
Licence: CC0 1.0
7. Waymarkedtrails
Waymarked Trails provides detailed maps and information on hiking, cycling, and other marked routes based on OpenStreetMap data. The route overlay is licensed under the CC BY-SA license.
Source: Waymarkedtrails
Licence: CC BY-SA
Notes on sources and licences
Which datasets are actually used may differ by region, data type and map layer.
Software used to display the maps: Leaflet
Map style based on OpenTopoMap
This page is updated and extended on an ongoing basis.