NASA has released high-definition three-dimensional (3D) colour-shaded relief elevation maps of California derived from coverage by the February 2000 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (STRM). This image of San Diego was also produced using ground colour data from the Landsat 7 spacecraft. NASA plans to model 80% of the Earth's surface using STRM coverage to provide a 3D map of the planet in unprecedented detail. NASA had planned to make this data available worldwide, but the US Department of Defense is concerned that users could apply it for military planning, while the State Department is worried over the issue of the "privacy" of nations. Only detailed maps of the USA will now be released.
Source: Flight International