Newly released digital maps of Alaska, which reveal its topography more sharply than ever before, are helping scientists understand the impact of climate change.

Historically, Alaska’s coast especially has been poorly mapped—some documents were based on maps originally created by British explorer Captain James Cook in the 1700s.

3-D elevation maps of Alaska for released for White House Arctic Initiative Date: September 1, 2016 Source: University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering Summary: Less than one year ...