Before retiring at the end of 2025, Vicki Lukas served as the Chief of Topographic Data Services in the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Geospatial Program. She helped initiate and oversaw the 3D Elevation Program, the 3D Hydrography Program, and the future vision of the 3D National Terrain Model of The National Map. Most recently, she led the development of “The 3D National Topography Model Call for Action—Part 2: The Next Generation 3D Elevation Program” (USGS, 2025). Ms. Lukas managed multiple initiatives to build and coordinate the programs, including the 3DEP Executive Forum, the 3D Elevation Federal Interagency Coordinating Committee, and the Alaska Mapping Roundtable and Executive Committee.
With over 35 years of experience as a Geographer at the USGS, her previous roles included overseeing partnership activities of The National Map and the national network of Liaisons; leading the Western Region Liaison team; leading the Northwest Geographic Science Team: serving as a mapping liaison for California, Hawaii and the Pacific Basin; and beginning her career in digital geologic mapping in the USGS Western Region. Over the years she has been a member of and liaison to a variety of organizations and committees, including MAPPS, the National States Geographic Information Council, geographic information coordinating councils in California and Hawaii, the American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, and others.
Ms. Lukas received a B.S. in Geography with a Cartography focus from the University of Wisconsin, Madison followed by graduate studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara Geography Department. She completed the Transformative Leadership Masters program at the California Institute of Integral Studies in support of her interest in transforming government and advancing public service.