DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

Home > Glossary Terms
Share:

What is the Definition of DEM (Digital Elevation Model)?

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of the Earth’s surface topography, capturing elevation data in a raster grid format. Each cell in the grid corresponds to a specific elevation value, enabling accurate terrain mapping and analysis. DEMs are widely used in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and navigation applications to model landscapes, assess elevation changes, and support 3D spatial analysis.

DEMs play a crucial role in industries such as aerospace, defense, mining, and surveying, providing foundational data for applications like route planning, flood modeling, and environmental monitoring. They are typically derived from satellite imagery, LiDAR scans, or aerial photogrammetry.

Key Components of DEM (Digital Elevation Model)

  • Elevation Values – Represents the height of the terrain at each grid cell, forming the basis of the DEM.
  • Grid Resolution – Defines the spatial detail of the DEM, with higher resolution offering finer terrain details.
  • Coordinate System – Ensures the DEM aligns accurately with geographic locations for spatial analysis.
  • Data Source – Derived from LiDAR, satellite imagery, aerial photogrammetry, or ground surveys.
  • Interpolation Methods – Techniques used to estimate elevation values between known data points, improving accuracy.
  • Vertical Accuracy – Measures how closely the DEM’s elevation values match actual terrain heights.
  • Contour Representation – Generates contour lines to visualize elevation changes and terrain shape.
  • Hydrological Features – Captures water bodies, drainage patterns, and watershed structures.
  • Terrain Derivatives – Secondary data such as slope, aspect, and hillshade, used for advanced spatial analysis.
  • File Format – Stored in formats like GeoTIFF, ASCII Grid, or Esri GRID for compatibility with GIS software.

What are the Applications of DEM (Digital Elevation Model)