google-mapsbing-mapstopography

Topographical or relief data in Map APIs

I was wondering if anyone knew of any map APIs that offer topographical or relief data? I've had a quick look at Google and Bing APIs, but could find nothing there.

Google allow you to view a map as TERRAIN, which means you can see the topography of a map, but I want to be able to get at that data - i.e. if I were to draw a line between 2 points on Google Maps, I want to know how high above see level points along that line are.

Is this possible with any map APIs out there?

Thanks for your time!

Solution

  • Here's a simple example of height along a route.

    I use USGS to obtain the elevation data, Google Maps API to plot the route and Google Charts to draw the elevation profile.

    Full details in the associated tutorial.