The U.S. Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) has coordinated the development of the U.S. National Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) since 1994. Within the SDI, data are divided into two groups:
Framework data: critical to a wide range of users
Special-use thematic data: specialized data, mainly relevant to certain fields.
Most states in the United States implement a State Spatial Data Infrastructure to supply the National Spatial Data Infrastructure with local, regional and state datasets.
As of February 2022, the US National Geospatial Data Asset (NGDA) Portfolio is organized into 18 data themes, with themes Cadastre, Elevation, Geodetic Control, Government Units, Imagery, Transportation, Water-Inland and Water-Oceans & Coasts identified as framework themes.
MnTOPO A web application for viewing, printing and downloading high-resolution elevation data for Minnesota that was collected using LiDAR technology. It runs on a variety of devices, including desktops, tablets, and mobile phones. Raw LAS files, bare earth LiDAR points and building footprints are available for selected areas. Spot elevation and elevation profile tools are provided.
Geospatial Image Service for Minnesota. WMS services providing access to Minnesota aerial photos, hillshades and scanned topographic maps. Content list and instructions on using the service with GIS software are provided. To export the images as local copies, use MNDNR Export to Image Add-in (requires ArcGIS 10.x as of June 2017).
Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Information System. Provides information on Minnesota’s rare plants, animals, native plant communities, and other rare features. Data request form are available on the page.
NOAA National Geodetic Survey Data Explorer The Mission of NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is “to define, maintain and provide access to the National Spatial Reference System to meet our nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs.”