Frequently asked questions

What is DTED.org?

DTED.org publishes elevation releases and TAK configuration artifacts through state-specific HTTPS endpoints. It combines enhanced regional DTED with a lower-resolution fallback and makes exact coverage, provenance, licensing, and quality status visible.

Which client path should I use?

For ATAK, start with its built-in Elevation Tools and apply the state page's QR or configuration package. Simple DTED Streamer is optional and uses the same endpoint. Other TAK clients can use the published layouts they support.

What does the QR code do?

It opens ATAK's typed preference workflow, enables DTED streaming, and sets the native and Simple DTED Streamer endpoint values. It contains no credentials and does not download terrain.

Can I download terrain for offline use?

Yes. Each state page provides STATE-DTED.zip, containing that state's enhanced DTED cells. ATAK recognizes the ZIP as archived DTED through Import Manager. The streaming endpoint remains preferable when network access is available because the offline package can be large.

Does DTED2 mean 30-meter accuracy?

No. DTED2 describes one-arc-second post spacing, approximately 30 m at the equator. Posting density is not a guarantee of horizontal or vertical accuracy. See Terrain science and data lineage.

Is SRTM a bare-earth model?

Not necessarily. SRTM is radar-derived and generally measures the reflective surface, so vegetation and structures can contribute to elevation values. It is also based on observations collected in February 2000.

Why do coverage cells cross state boundaries?

DTED and SRTM are distributed in whole 1° × 1° geographic cells. A cell is included when it intersects the state acquisition boundary, so edge cells can extend into neighboring states or coastal water.

What do validated, evaluation, and unverified mean?

• Validated records a passing DTED.org quality result.
• Evaluation records a failed result on a deliberately published release.
• Unverified has no attached quality result.

These describe DTED.org's evidence state, not fitness for every possible use.

Can DTED.org publish private data?

Yes. The software supports restricted datasets and network allowlists for self-hosted deployments. The public welcome page and coverage API list only active public releases.

Can I run it myself?

Yes. The repository includes the deterministic builder, operator portal, background worker, Nginx routing, Docker Compose packaging, quality workflow, and deployment documentation. Start with Self-hosting and deployment.

Where does the public data come from?

Current state overlays use the USGS SRTM 1 Arc-Second Global collection in its native DTED product. Source links and licensing are recorded on each release. See Further reading for primary references.