Digital Elevation Models (DEM)

About Digital Elevation Models

Satellite Imaging Corporation (SIC) provides orthorectified mono and stereo satellite imagery which can be processed for visualization of terrain conditions in 2 and 3 Dimensions (2D/3D). Production of digital elevation models (DEM) from various stereo satellite sensors. including the WorldView-4 and WorldView-3 satellite sensors at 30cm resolution can support project planners, emergency operation managers, and logistics managers to plan field operations in a computer environment, ensuring that the best terrain conditions and access is provided to achieve project objectives.

In addition to the orthorectification of a satellite map the elevation models are utilized in support of engineering designs, construction activities, mining and pre-planning/ lay-out of corridor surveys, land development, well sites, environmental and geological surveys applications.

Satellite Map of Bingham Canyon Copper Mine, Utah, USA

Pleiades-1 Tri-Stereo (1m) DTM

(Copyright © AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE and processed by Satellite Imaging Corporation)

The Pleiades-1A and Pleiades-1B satellite sensors can be programmed to collect tri-stereo imagery for the production of high quality 1m-2m DEMs for 3D urban and terrain modeling. The tri-stereo acquisitions reveal elevation that would otherwise remain hidden in steep terrain or urban canyons in dense built-up areas.

Middle East Map of Suez Canal, Egypt

1m DTM for Suez Canal Expansion

(Copyright © AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE and processed by Satellite Imaging Corporation)

There is a variety of DEM source data available at various resolutions for developed areas and the suitability of this available DSM's/DEM's or DTM's data is depending on the project objectives and specifications. In remote regions around the world, were little or no source data is available, the elevation models can be produced from stereo satellite imagery utilizing automatic DSM extraction or photogrammetric techniques (depending on the applications), from satellite sensors.

Dubai, UAE

2m Digital Surface Model (DSM) produced from Pleiades-1 Stereo Satellite Imagery

(Copyright © AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE and processed by Satellite Imaging Corporation)

Stereo satellite imagery was acquired over the area to produce an urban 3D terrain model for the extraction of building footprints and heights in support of the Dubai International Airport (DXB) ground navigation system and urban GIS systems.

Quality models are measured by how accurate the elevation is at each pixel and how accurately the morphology is presented. Several factors are important for quality elevation models:

• Terrain roughness
• Sampling density (elevation data collection method)
• Grid resolution or pixel size
• Interpolation algorithm
• Vertical resolution
• Terrain analysis algorithm

Common uses of models include:

• Extracting terrain parameters
• Volume calculations
• Modeling water flow or mass movement (for example, landslides)
• Creation of relief maps
• Rendering of 3D visualizations
• Creation of physical models (including raised-relief maps)
• Orthorectification
• Reduction (terrain correction) of gravity measurements
• Terrain analysis in geomorphology and physical geography

DEM Gallery

For more information on any of our products and services or for a consultation, please contact us.