Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR

The accurate estimation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) derived from satellite data is critical for numerous environmental applications. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of two satellite-derived elevation models, the ALOS World 3D and SRTM DEMs, specifically for their application...

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Main Authors: Aya Hamed Mohamed, Mohamed Islam Keskes, Mihai Daniel Nita
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Land
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/12/2171
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author Aya Hamed Mohamed
Mohamed Islam Keskes
Mihai Daniel Nita
author_facet Aya Hamed Mohamed
Mohamed Islam Keskes
Mihai Daniel Nita
author_sort Aya Hamed Mohamed
collection DOAJ
description The accurate estimation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) derived from satellite data is critical for numerous environmental applications. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of two satellite-derived elevation models, the ALOS World 3D and SRTM DEMs, specifically for their application in hydrological modeling. A comparative analysis with Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) measurements assessed the agreement between these datasets. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to evaluate the relationships between the datasets and provide detailed insights into their accuracy and biases. The results indicate significant correlations between satellite DEMs and TLS measurements, with adjusted R-square values of 0.8478 for ALOS and 0.955 for the SRTM. To quantify the average difference, root mean square error (RMSE) values were calculated as 10.43 m for ALOS and 5.65 m for the SRTM. Additionally, slope and aspect analyses were performed to highlight terrain characteristics across the DEMs. Slope analysis showed a statistically significant negative correlation between SRTM and TLS slopes (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.16, <i>p</i> < 4.47 × 10<sup>−10</sup> indicating a weak relationship, while no significant correlation was observed between ALOS and TLS slopes. Aspect analysis showed significant positive correlations for both ALOS and the SRTM with TLS aspect, capturing 30.21% of the variance. These findings demonstrate the accuracy of satellite-derived elevation models in representing terrain features relative to high-resolution terrestrial data.
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spelling doaj-art-ae44fa8e52ee47fbabdc7f3debec1c682025-08-20T02:50:59ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2024-12-011312217110.3390/land13122171Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDARAya Hamed Mohamed0Mohamed Islam Keskes1Mihai Daniel Nita2Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Braşov, Şirul Ludwig van Beethoven 1, 500123 Braşov, RomaniaFaculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Braşov, Şirul Ludwig van Beethoven 1, 500123 Braşov, RomaniaFaculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Braşov, Şirul Ludwig van Beethoven 1, 500123 Braşov, RomaniaThe accurate estimation of Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) derived from satellite data is critical for numerous environmental applications. This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of two satellite-derived elevation models, the ALOS World 3D and SRTM DEMs, specifically for their application in hydrological modeling. A comparative analysis with Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) measurements assessed the agreement between these datasets. Multiple linear regression models were utilized to evaluate the relationships between the datasets and provide detailed insights into their accuracy and biases. The results indicate significant correlations between satellite DEMs and TLS measurements, with adjusted R-square values of 0.8478 for ALOS and 0.955 for the SRTM. To quantify the average difference, root mean square error (RMSE) values were calculated as 10.43 m for ALOS and 5.65 m for the SRTM. Additionally, slope and aspect analyses were performed to highlight terrain characteristics across the DEMs. Slope analysis showed a statistically significant negative correlation between SRTM and TLS slopes (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.16, <i>p</i> < 4.47 × 10<sup>−10</sup> indicating a weak relationship, while no significant correlation was observed between ALOS and TLS slopes. Aspect analysis showed significant positive correlations for both ALOS and the SRTM with TLS aspect, capturing 30.21% of the variance. These findings demonstrate the accuracy of satellite-derived elevation models in representing terrain features relative to high-resolution terrestrial data.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/12/2171satellite-derived elevation modelsterrestrial laser scanning (TLS)spatial data validationtopographic data
spellingShingle Aya Hamed Mohamed
Mohamed Islam Keskes
Mihai Daniel Nita
Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
Land
satellite-derived elevation models
terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)
spatial data validation
topographic data
title Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
title_full Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
title_fullStr Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
title_full_unstemmed Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
title_short Analyzing the Accuracy of Satellite-Derived DEMs Using High-Resolution Terrestrial LiDAR
title_sort analyzing the accuracy of satellite derived dems using high resolution terrestrial lidar
topic satellite-derived elevation models
terrestrial laser scanning (TLS)
spatial data validation
topographic data
url https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/13/12/2171
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AT mohamedislamkeskes analyzingtheaccuracyofsatellitederiveddemsusinghighresolutionterrestriallidar
AT mihaidanielnita analyzingtheaccuracyofsatellitederiveddemsusinghighresolutionterrestriallidar