Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

What are Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)?

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are raster datasets representing the Earth's surface elevation. They are essential for various applications, including terrain analysis, hydrological modeling, and landscape visualization. DEMs are typically created using remote sensing technologies such as satellite imagery and LiDAR.

Digital Elevation Model Use Cases

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are essential in geospatial analysis, providing critical data for a wide range of applications. DEMs are extensively used in terrain analysis to model landforms and identify elevation-related features like slopes, valleys, and ridges. Hydrologists rely on DEM data for watershed and floodplain analysis, helping predict water flow and flood risk. In urban planning, DEMs support infrastructure development by offering detailed topographic information. Additionally, DEMs are pivotal in 3D visualization and modeling, enabling the creation of realistic landscapes in simulations, gaming, and virtual reality applications.

Free DEM Data Sources

NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)

https://search.earthdata.nasa.gov/search?q=SRTM

OpenTopography

https://opentopography.org

United States Geological Survey (USGS)

https://nationalmap.gov

https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov

European Space Agency (ESA)

https://land.copernicus.eu

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/missions/alos#data-section