A Simulation on the Accuracy of DEM Terrain Representation

This research puts forward the concept of DEM terrain representation error (Et) first and then investigates the generation, major factors,measurement and simulation of Et. A multi resolution and multi relief comparative approach was used as the major methodology in this study. The experiment reveals a quantitative relationship between the errors and the variation of DEM resolution and terrain roughness at global levels. RMS Et is regressed against the mean profile curvature ( V ) and DEM resolution ( X ) at 6 resolution levels. It is found that the RMS Et may be expressed as RMS Et=(0.006 3 V+0.006 6)R-0.022 V +0.241 5. This founding should be helpful in calculating DEM accuracy, as well as determining the DEM resolution appropriate to the accuracy requirement of a particular application.