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Topography is one of the many variables within the Othersphere Explorer tool used to reveal and diligence optimal siting of sustainable infrastructure projects. To inform this analysis we use licensed data, open data, and novel datasets we have created or augmented. Our topography data is an example of the latter, where we built upon the exceptional work within the Multi-Error-Removed Improved-Terrain Digital Elevation Model (MERIT DEM).
To make this sophisticated dataset even more accessible, we have introduced tiling to the MERIT DEM. Each tile offers detailed elevation and ruggedness data, enhancing usability for systematic geographical analyses.
We are excited to release this tiled dataset derived from MERIT DEM, adhering to licensing requirements and aiming to benefit the broader community working on topographical challenges. This data is provided as a parquet file (~4.5GB) and is access through Google Cloud Storage. Please click here to learn more about setting up a Google account to access the data and here to learn more about gsutil for downloading files. Alternatively, please contact explore@othersphere.io can we can work with you to determine other file delivery options.
Source:
Othersphere
Original data source:
Spatial coverage:
Global
Visibility:
Public
Methodology:
MERIT DEM is a sophisticated dataset that addresses terrain issues common in other mapping efforts. Developed collaboratively by the University of Tokyo Global Hydrology Group, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Chiba University, it integrates data from established Digital Elevation Models like SRTM and ASTER GDEM and removes elevation discrepancies caused by buildings and vegetation. The application of MERIT DEM is vital in areas such as hydrological modeling, urban planning, and infrastructure development, where precision is crucial.
Download:
License:
The data provided herein is made available on an "as-is" basis, without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The provider does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the information. By downloading this data, the user acknowledges that the provider shall not be held liable for any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions in the data, nor for any damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use, misuse, or reliance on this data. The user assumes full responsibility for the use of the information provided and agrees to use it with caution and at their own risk.
Data center locations today show a moderate skew toward grid regions with lower carbon intensity—but how much does this really influence site selection?
At CERAWeek 2025, data centers were very heavily discussed, including topics such as geopolitics, data sovereignty, monetization opportunities for previously-stranded energy supplies, and the overall uncertainty data centers have introduced into energy demand forecasting.
Climate change factored into conversations on the role of natural gas, nuclear, and geothermal, but global warming was generally just one of the many complexities described by the developers, funders, and policymakers working on the future of compute.
Data center locations today show a moderate skew toward grid regions with lower carbon intensity—but how much does this really influence site selection?
Speed to market, economics, data sovereignty, and end-user latency are some of the most critical factors for developers, operators, and financiers of compute / AI infrastructure.
Focus on carbon intensity of compute will continue to grow however, particularly as policymakers and the public become ever more aware of the rising energy demand and climate impact of data centers.
But as the annual solar PV capacity factor data above shows, today’s data centers show little sun-seeking behavior. Hourly capacity factor data shows a similar pattern.
This makes sense given the challenges created by solar intermittency and limited incentive to experiment with new operating strategies to date.
But in the right locations, this will likely shift going forward due to:
⬡ Falling delivered costs of solar power
⬡ Increasing market and behind-the-meter supply options
⬡ Corporate GHG goals and public attention shaping demand
⬡ Proving out reliable data center operating strategies that take advantage of intermittent power and/or load shifting.
Annual solar PV capacity factor data above shows, today’s data centers show little sun-seeking behavior. Hourly capacity factor data shows a similar pattern.
Please reach out if you would like to learn more about Othersphere, our products, and opportunities to partner in accelerating global industrial decarbonization.
