Skip to content
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Categories
    • Hiking & Activities
    • Outdoor Gear
    • Regional Specifics
    • Natural Environments
    • Weather & Forecasts
    • Geology & Landform
Geoscience.blogYour Compass for Earth's Wonders & Outdoor Adventures
  • Home
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
  • Categories
    • Hiking & Activities
    • Outdoor Gear
    • Regional Specifics
    • Natural Environments
    • Weather & Forecasts
    • Geology & Landform
Posted on January 27, 2023 (Updated on July 10, 2025)

How can I read Digital Elevation Model?

Hiking & Activities

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a representation of the bare ground (bare earth) topographic surface of the Earth excluding trees, buildings, and any other surface objects. DEMs are created from a variety of sources. USGS DEMs used to be derived primarily from topographic maps.

Where can I find digital elevation data?

Let’s dive into our list of free global DEM data sources:

  • Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
  • ASTER Global Digital Elevation Model.
  • JAXA’s Global ALOS 3D World.
  • Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
  • Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA)

 

What can be derived from a Digital Elevation Model?

Slope: The DEM can easily be transformed into a slope map with the Slope tool (fig. 2.1). This map describes the slope for each raster cell in degrees based on the elevation at each point.
 

How do you determine DEM elevation?

To determine the elevation at a point, choose the Identify tool and click at the point. When you first click on the DEM, the Identify dialogue box will appear and you should choose the layer from which you wish to identify elevation.

Is Digital Elevation Model A raster?

The most common digital data of the shape of the earth’s surface is cell-based digital elevation models (DEMs). This data is used as input to quantify the characteristics of the land surface. A DEM is a raster representation of a continuous surface, usually referencing the surface of the earth.

Where can I get free DEM data?

Best 6 Free Sources for Download DEM Data

  • USGS Earth Explore.
  • OpenDEM.
  • Bhuvan NRSC.
  • JPL – NASA (SRTM)
  • JPL – ASTER Global DEM.
  • JAXA EORC ALOS.

 

How do I check my DEM resolution?

An equation you can use that relates map scale expressed as a representative fraction (1/x), DEM cell resolution, and map display resolution is: 1/x = 1 / (DEM cell ground size [cm/cell] × map pixel density [pixels/cm]), so that 1 centimeter on the map represents x centimeters on the ground.
 

What can I do with DEM data?

Common applications of DEMs

  1. Modeling water flow or mass movements (e.g., landslides)
  2. Creating physical models (such as raised-relief maps)
  3. Rectifying aerial photography or satellite imagery.
  4. Rendering 3D visualizations.
  5. Reducing (terrain correction) gravity measurements (e.g., gravimetry, physical geodesy)

What is difference between DEM and DTM?

Digital Terrain Models (DTM)



The difference DEM vs DTM is that DTM is a DEM that has been augmented with elements such as break lines and elements other than the original data to correct artifacts created using only the original data.

What can a DSM be used to determine GIS?

Quote from video:

How do I get Arcgis elevation data?

Ground elevation surface

  1. On the Map tab, in the Layer group, click the Add Data arrow to open the drop-down menu and click Elevation Source .
  2. On the Add Elevation Source dialog box, browse to the elevation source and click OK.


Does Google Maps have elevation data?

Elevation data is available for all locations on the surface of the earth, including depth locations on the ocean floor (which return negative values).

Can you get elevation data from Google Earth?

Quote from video: We need to go over here. And turn on this terrain. Option. And once you turn that on and when you just hover your mouse over like this you will see that now the elevation value actually changes

New Posts

  • Headlamp Battery Life: Pro Guide to Extending Your Rechargeable Lumens
  • Post-Trip Protocol: Your Guide to Drying Camping Gear & Preventing Mold
  • Backcountry Repair Kit: Your Essential Guide to On-Trail Gear Fixes
  • Dehydrated Food Storage: Pro Guide for Long-Term Adventure Meals
  • Hiking Water Filter Care: Pro Guide to Cleaning & Maintenance
  • Protecting Your Treasures: Safely Transporting Delicate Geological Samples
  • How to Clean Binoculars Professionally: A Scratch-Free Guide
  • Adventure Gear Organization: Tame Your Closet for Fast Access
  • No More Rust: Pro Guide to Protecting Your Outdoor Metal Tools
  • How to Fix a Leaky Tent: Your Guide to Re-Waterproofing & Tent Repair
  • Long-Term Map & Document Storage: The Ideal Way to Preserve Physical Treasures
  • How to Deep Clean Water Bottles & Prevent Mold in Hydration Bladders
  • Night Hiking Safety: Your Headlamp Checklist Before You Go
  • How Deep Are Mountain Roots? Unveiling Earth’s Hidden Foundations

Categories

  • Climate & Climate Zones
  • Data & Analysis
  • Earth Science
  • Energy & Resources
  • General Knowledge & Education
  • Geology & Landform
  • Hiking & Activities
  • Historical Aspects
  • Human Impact
  • Modeling & Prediction
  • Natural Environments
  • Outdoor Gear
  • Polar & Ice Regions
  • Regional Specifics
  • Safety & Hazards
  • Software & Programming
  • Space & Navigation
  • Storage
  • Uncategorized
  • Water Bodies
  • Weather & Forecasts
  • Wildlife & Biology

Categories

  • English
  • Deutsch
  • Français
  • Home
  • About
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright (с) geoscience.blog 2025

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT