Assessing the Role of Point Sample Neighborhoods in Digital Elevation Modeling

Abstract

In this study, mathematical models for the self and relative neighborhoods of spatial point configurations have been proposed. This was intended for data/check elevation point patterns. These models were based on some realized point patterns within an illustrative rectangular geographical window. This window includes the Nile Valley, Eastern Desert and South Sinai in Egypt. The investigated data and check patterns had point elevation values, which were based on the SRTM30 global elevation model. The trends of the neighborhood models agreed with those of the interpolation quality, as expressed in terms of the standard deviation of discrepancies. Moreover, closed expressions were proposed, which relate the terrain interpolation qualities with the relevant neighborhood models. It is recommended to use such criterion for planning the spatial distributions of elevation point patterns in digital terrain modeling.