Resources - Data Links
Ag data links: where to download NAIP, LiDAR, and imagery.
The ADMS Consultants Package opens GK's imagery library, with 30+ years of Landsat plus Sentinel, NAIP, and LiDAR, and adds confidence mapping, faster processing tools, and free admission to every classroom training.
Before you download
Get data ADMS can use.
A few notes from GK on what these links are, and the formats that work best in the software.
About these links
Data Links connects you to sites where we download background data for use in our software. We are not a data storage company, there are plenty of sites out there storing data for downloads. If you are like us, you have had a hard time finding the data you are looking for, so we put together some links. Along with the link is a guide to what useful data to get from this site.
Use the right format
To use data in GK Tech software, it should be downloaded in UTM Zone "xx" or if not an option try Lat/Lon. Also, all downloads should be in .SHP - Shape File, .TIF, .SID or .ECW formats. There are no guarantees that the data you download will work in our software, due to many variables in file encoding and projection. If you have problems please let us know.
Know a helpful site?
Please drop us a line if you know of any other sites that you have found helpful for getting data and what data you are getting from that site. Data can be very local for your area, national or international, we will try to get them added to our Data Links page. Also, please let us know if any of the links are not working.
Data Links
Where GK downloads background data.
Each source comes with a short guide to the useful data it holds, plus GK's step-by-step PDF where one is available. Links open in a new tab.
Scihub Copernicus Open Access Hub
Copernicus Open Access Hub is the source for Downloading Sentinel 2A & 2B satellite imagery. This site and the data are a products from the ESA (European Space Agency), so please be respectful if you have problems and need support. They DO NOT need to share this data with us! This data is 10 meter satellite imagery that has been flown since the fall of 2015 to present. On average you will find that there is a new image every 5 days, there is a LOT of data here. Thanks to all the folks at Copernicus for all the data and access!
NOTE:
- Some of the imagery from 2015 to mid 2016 may not work in ADMS. The band order and layout was different, and ADMS cannot de-compile the image. Generally, data from 2017 to present has worked well.
- You must use ADMS 64 bit to process the data. Images are too large for 32 bit.
U.S. Census Bureau
The US Census Bureau is a great supplier for basic county data such as Roads, Railroads, Waterways and Townships. The files to download are the “edges” files for Roads, Railroads and Waterways. The “cousub” file will give you useable Township data for most areas. Suggest using the “FTP” option for downloading.
NOTE:
You will need to know your Federal Information Processing System (FIPS) numbers for your State and Counties. We are sharing two links here, same code numbers, different formats.
- USDA FIPS Codes - https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=nrcs143_013697
- US Census Bureau FIPS Codes - https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/2014/demo/popest/2014-geocodes-state.html
USDA Geospatial
USDA Geospatial site has background data that is very helpful in ADMS. They have many years of NAIP (National Agriculture Imagery Program) images, township & section boundaries, roads and elevation data. This is some of the most useful data we get for farmers in the USA. Follow the instructions below to get some great data.
USGS
The USGS hosts up many different options for imagery. We do NOT support all the imagery options on the site. The information here will guide you through using the Landsat 5, 7, 8, & 9 data. Hope you find lots of useful data. Thanks to the USGS for hosting this data!
Helpful .pdf links below
- EarthExplorer for downloading and navigating the USGS Site
- ADMSLandsat for processing downloaded data
USGS - EarthExplorer - https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/
Manitoba Land Initiative
Manitoba Land Initiative has a great supply of background data. You will find mostly road, water, soils, municipal, elevation, and imagery maps.
Iowa LiDAR Mapping
Iowa LiDAR Mapping Project is a source for downloading LiDAR for the whole state of Iowa. Follow the instructions in the ADMS user manual.
Minnesota IT Services
The Minnesota IT Services is the source for downloading LiDAR data for all of Minnesota. The data is hosted via an FTP Site. This elevation data has an accuracy of 6 inches vertical in the Red River Basin and 8 inches vertical for the rest of the state. Please note all the data for Minnesota on this site is in UTM 15.
ND LiDAR Dissemination Mapservice
The ND LiDAR Dissemination Mapservice has all the available data for ND. The site is run by the state water commission.
USGS - The National Map (TNM)
The USGS - National Map is a nationwide map where many different types of data can be downloaded. TNM is a great source for downloading LiDAR data for your area and is constantly updating with new data as it becomes available. One major advantage of using this site is it offers both LAZ and LAS formats, which are compatible with our ADMS software.
Help video on utilizing The National Map
Contact
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