DEM, DSM & DTM

Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Digital Surface

Model (DSM) and Digital Terrain Model
(DTM) are three commonly implemented
geospatial features generated with UAV
mapping systems. Each data product delivers
different elevation values as each model uses
different methodologies. Elevation values from
a LiDAR point cloud come from features
including bare-ground, power lines, tree
canopies or buildings. Selecting the right
elevation model for your project can be
challenging that is why Geodetics offers the
following three simplified, but common
interpretations for these data products:
DEM are of critical importance in areas such as
land-use planning, infrastructural project
management, soil science, hydrology and flow-
direction studies. Across greater spatial scales,
their use is key for the contouring of
topographic and relief maps (as shown in the
figures above and below).

Because DSMs represent the bare-Earth and all

of its above-ground features, their use is widely
applied in fields such as urban planning. For
example, investigating how a proposed
building would affect the views of residents
and businesses, power line corridor inspections
and aviation planning.
1. A DEM (Digital Elevation Model)
Represents the bare-Earth surface,
removing all natural and built features.
2. A DSM (Digital Surface Model) captures
both the natural and built/artificial features
of the environment, as shown below.
3. A DTM (Digital Terrain Model) typically
augments a DEM, by including vector
features of the natural terrain, such as rivers
and ridges. A DTM may be interpolated to
generate a DEM, but not vice versa.

For most LiDAR applications, focus is placed on

the DEM and DSM as defined above, while
DTMs are more applicable for GIS and
cartographic representations and will not be
discussed here. In forestry management, a Canopy Height
Model (CHM) is a separate model derived
LESSON: GIS 2020
GLOSSARY
from elevation data in the point cloud. In
forested areas, the difference between the DSM
and the DEM can be viewed as CHM,
representing the height of trees in the area
above ground-level (see figure above).
Software utilizing CHMs can also derive
individual tree data, such as crown diameter,
crown area and tree boundaries. This is of huge
value to forestry management agencies and
companies, allowing for substantial cost and
time savings with UAV LiDAR monitoring,
relative to manual inspection of individual
trees.
Once accurate classification techniques have
been applied to the LiDAR point cloud, clean
ground points can be targeted and isolated
from the remainder of the dataset. A DEM is
created by generating a mesh from the LiDAR
ground points using one of several
interpolation algorithms to create a jointed
fabric which accurately represents the real-
world ground model. Generating a DEM from
a LiDAR dataset alone can uncover hidden
archaeological or geological features, which
may have been masked from aerial view or
photogrammetric analysis by naturally
occurring terrain features (a new blog coming
soon will discuss how our customers
successfully use the Geo-MMS LiDAR for
archeology).
surface model required for their project. The
only prerequisite for this is a classified LAS point
cloud file. The procedure is typically
straightforward and accurate, provided the LAS
file has been accurately classified. After creating
an elevation model, several editing, repairing
and smoothing algorithms can be applied to
remove inconsistencies, sharp edges and
provide a more visually appealing result. The
full process can be performed in a matter of
hours. User input is minimal, only requiring
some basic model parameters such as curvature
weight, smoothing iteration etc. Once created,
the model can be colored and various layers
can be toggled on/off.
DEMS and DSMs are powerful and efficient
tools for applications in a wide range of
sectors. Geodetics’ advises our customers on
the most appropriate modeling techniques for
the elevation model best suited to their needs
on a project-by-project basis. Geodetics’ also
advises on LAS point cloud classification and
provides an understanding of the parameters
required for accurate DEM/DSM creation

Several point-cloud processing software

packages offer DEM/DSM generation
capabilities, allowing the user to create the

LESSON: GIS 2020

GLOSSARY