Data

Pennsylvania has one of the strongest foundations of authoritative geospatial data in the country, and this data is essential for effective hazard preparedness, mitigation, and long-term resilience. Statewide datasets on infrastructure, hydrography, elevation (LiDAR), aerial photography, land use, and critical facilities allow planners, emergency managers, and communities to understand risk before disasters occur. High-resolution LiDAR reveals floodplains, landslide-prone slopes, and mine subsidence risk; hydrography and watershed data support flood modeling and stormwater planning; and up-to-date aerial imagery helps track development, vulnerable populations, and changes to the landscape over time. When these datasets are integrated and made accessible, they transform hazard management from reactive response to proactive decision-making, supporting smarter investments, better land-use planning, faster emergency response, and more resilient communities across the Commonwealth.