Abstract
An Investigation into Vertical Accuracy of USGS Digital Elevation Models Track: Remote Sensing Imagery Author(s): Mark Wagaman The U. S. Geologic Survey (USGS) digital elevation model (DEM) data that is publicly available provides published standards for the level of vertical accuracy to be expected from this product. A unique opportunity exists to evaluate the DEM vertical accuracy in areas with extensive survey ground control consisting of dense grids of global positioning system (GPS) recordings as well as airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR). Comparisons of extracted elevation values from the DEM and LiDAR products with the GPS survey elevations, along with comparisons of extracted LiDAR elevation values with the DEM grid elevations, provide the basis for examining vertical accuracy. A statistical evaluation of the distribution of these elevation differences demonstrates the actual vertical accuracy encountered and reveals further limitations beyond the published specifications of the DEM product. Examples from different areas and topographic regions are included in the statistics. Mark Wagaman Veritas Land Seismic Acquisition 410 17th Street Suite 1140 Denver , CO 80202 US Phone: (303) 825-7400 E-mail: mark_wagaman@veritasdgc.com |
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