MPD Online Crime Mapping
I think at this point just about every medium+ sized city has a map like this. It is a great source for people looking to get information on potential new living locations. I just happen to like the way this one looks and performs. Everyone has seen (and been frightened by) the various websites and apps that tell you how many sex offenders are in your neighborhood. It is always a good tool and you can even see growing trends in your neighborhood and react appropriately (ie not freak out and hurt someone). People already do this by watching their surroundings and a tool like this just helps give you a broader understanding of the incidences.
How Much Money Could a Nationwide LiDAR Map Save?
This. A million times this. I know that is delicate economies it is hard to justify a large expense for something like this, but having that data would save money across the board. It is a lot like going into the doctor's office when you are not sick. Since every person is slightly different it is important to get a baseline of your health that way when you do feel sick the doctor can order appropriate tests. The same is true in spatial data. Even if the data is wrong, having that baseline allows you to properly process any new data. Also the amount of data you would get out of a program like this could influence academic and commercial studies in a positive way. Imagine all of the students out there trying to flush out their paper, but are limited to funds and access. Imagine all of the small companies or government departments out there that are trying desperately to protect a highly endangered species, but cannot get out the door because it would cost too much. Imagine discovering a whole new mound site along the Mississippi.
Or just imagine the nationwide economic boost that would happen in one year, while simultaneously saving money the next year.