I noticed that the USGS is providing LIDAR data HERE.
Is there any way to utilize this data without purchasing specialized point cloud software?
It appears to be in LAS format?
Don't know too much about the Usgs lIDAR (but will have to investigate) not an expert on lidar but there are different accuracies and point spacing. You can use LAS tools to extract the ground data from the LAS file. The LAS file can contain points on trees, buildings, etc but the LAS utility allows you to select one filter number (not sure which is ground) and convert it into polylines at a spacing you select.
Is LAS Tools and LAS Utilities a USGS product?
Here's some LAS / LAZ information. http://www.laszip.org/ http://rapidlasso.com/category/press-releases/
Do you have C3D? You can import a cloud there. There are a number of free programs to view. Demos galore.
Look at the metadata and other resources. Around these parts, I could download the FEMA data set as a cloud through USGS or the state GIS has geotiff (grids). The FVA is listed at 30cm (Fundamental Vertical Accuracy) so it's good for a 2' contour (based on the old national map accuracy standards) even though FEMA maps to the nearest foot...
I have a workflow to take the geotiffs into QGIS, convert the vertical to feet, translate the NAD83, then extract contours. They are ugly contours, but que sera. Let me know if you want a link (it's in the middle of a presentation and I can extract it)
Thanks, I'll take a look