Study on Accuracy of 1-Degree DEM Versus Topographic Complexity Using GIS Zonal Analysis

Abstract

Zonal analysis in geographic information systems is a useful and convenient tool to study the accuracy of the digital elevation model ͑DEM͒ in terms of topographic complexity, which is defined in this paper as the change in terrain slope or slope change. The accuracy of the U.S. Geological Survey 1-degree DEM over two test areas is studied by comparing it with the USGS 7.5-min DEM. The statistical quantities of the DEM errors are studied and modeled using various mathematical functions. It is shown that the standard deviation of the 1-degree DEM can be largely approximated with a linear function of the slope change, while its minimum and maximum errors remain almost unchanged and occur in all slope change zones as a behavior independent of the terrain complexity.

Uncertainties associated with digital elevation models for hydrologic applications: a review

“…This includes source, size and spatial structure of error associated with different DEM production techniques. Examples of studies that have evaluated the accuracy of various DEM products are: DEMs produced from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (Wang and Trinder, 1999), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) (Miliaresis and Paraschou, 2005;Suna et al, 2003), USGS DEMs (Berry et al, 2000;Shan et al, 2003), and comparisons of various DEM production methods (Li, 1994). While methods to assess and reduce DEM error have been developed (Hengl et al, 2004;Li, 1991;Lopez, 2002), errors persist.…”

Hyperfidelis: A Software Toolkit to Empower Precision Agriculture with GeoAI

“…Raster zonal statistics, for example, have been used to summarize raster data of forest products, agricultural goods, and tourism services in order to assess the economic worth of regions [56]. Raster zonal statistics is also a significant approach for summarizing raster values over a watershed to extract hydrological characteristics [57] and a valuable tool for evaluating the quality of DEM (Digital Elevation Model) data [58]. By integrating imagery of various bands and deleting mixed pixels, zonal statistics have also been utilized to increase the quality of land use and land cover (LULC) classification [59].…”

Uncertainties associated with digital elevation models for hydrologic applications: a review

“…Numerous studies have evaluated error and accuracy of various DEM products. These include DEMs produced from synthetic aperture radar (SAR) (Wang and Trinder, 1999), the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) (Suna et al, 2003;Miliaresis and Paraschou, 2005), USGS DEMs (Berry et al, 2000;Shan et al, 2003), and comparisons of various DEM production methods (Li, 1994). Methods to assess and reduce DEM error have been developed (Li, 1991;Lopez, 2002;Hengl et al, 2004).…”