Is there any way to get an accurate, high definition, color topographical map as an overlay in Google Earth? It would be somewhat similar to this image captured by NASA of the surface of the moon 
Except as an overlay and of the Earth of course. I am looking for a way to possibly generate that map from the 3d model of the earth that Google provides as I only need it for a small area and it needs to be high accuracy.
Best Answer
There are variety of ways to get your data in the Google Earth (GE). The image you have shown is actually 'byproduct' of Digital Elevation Model or DEM where changes in elevation are presented in multiple colours. Simultaneously, the hillshade effect (Shaded relief) within this image facilitates interpretation of topographic variations within the area.
In GIS environment, all you need is to get Digital Elevation Model with desired accuracy and resolution.
If you are using ArcMap, you may follow these simple steps to achieve your objective;
Step 1: Insert your DEM in ArcMap and enable 'image Analysis' window as shown below,
Step 2: Select your DEM and Click on 'Shaded Relief' button available within Image Analysis window; you may change the colour ramp and redefine other parameters as well; The resultant product should be automatically added into the ArcMap and look like this;
Step 3: Now, We are ready to export this image/layer to GE in the file format compatible with it. You need to open 'Search' window and look for 'Layer to Kml' tool;
You should designate output Shaded Relief layer as input in the dialogue box and set other parameters, especially, the 'Output image properties' to get better results and then define Output path/name to export it; you can Open exported file in Google Earth, thereafter.
I hope this works for you.