Note: This version of the ALOS World 3D dataset is provided in a WGS84 ellipsoidal vertical datum. This is a non-standard version of the AW3D30 dataset that is often used for InSAR analysis. This dataset was converted from the orthometric version using the EGM96 geoid model available here. For additional conversion details feel free to contact us.

The ALOS Global Digital Surface Model (AW3D30) is a global dataset generated from images collected using the Panchromatic Remote-sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM) aboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) from 2006 to 2011. As described by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) releases the global digital surface model (DSM) dataset with a horizontal resolution of approx. 30-meter mesh (1 arcsec) free of charge. The dataset has been compiled with images acquired by the Advanced Land Observing Satellite "DAICHI" (ALOS). The dataset is published based on the DSM dataset (5-meter mesh version) of the "World 3D Topographic Data", which is the most precise global-scale elevation data at this time, and its elevation precision is also at a world-leading level as a 30-meter mesh version. This dataset is expected to be useful for scientific research, education, as well as the private service sector that uses geospatial information.

Version: As of May 24th 2021 OpenTopography is supplying V3.2 (Jan 2021) from:
ftp://ftp.eorc.jaxa.jp//pub/ALOS/ext1/AW3D30/release_v2012_single_format/
Data downloaded prior to May 24th 2021 was in format: May 2016: Global terrestrial region (within approx. 82 deg. of N/S latitudes) of Version 1 released (approx. 22,100 tiles)

Note: JAXA provides two versions of AW3D30 created from the original 5-meter mesh using different downsampling methods: average (provided here) and median (not available from OpenTopography).