A Terrain Model is a 3D representation of the Earth's surface that shows elevation, landforms, and variations in terrain. It is used in geographic analysis, engineering, urban planning, and environmental studies to visualize and analyze the shape of the land.
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) – A digital representation of bare-earth elevations, without vegetation, buildings, or other objects.
📌 Example: Used in flood risk analysis and road construction.
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) – A gridded dataset representing elevation values, which can include buildings and trees in some cases.
📌 Example: Used in 3D visualization, hydrology modeling, and satellite mapping.
Digital Surface Model (DSM) – Represents both natural and man-made features on the Earth's surface, including vegetation, buildings, and infrastructure.
📌 Example: Used in urban planning and forestry.
Physical Terrain Models – Handmade or 3D-printed models that represent landscapes in scale form.
📌 Example: Used in military and educational applications for terrain visualization.
🔹 LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) – Uses laser scanning to generate precise elevation data.
🔹 Satellite Imagery & Remote Sensing – Data from satellites like NASA’s SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission).
🔹 Photogrammetry – Extracting elevation from aerial images.
🔹 Surveying & GPS Data – Ground-based measurements for high-accuracy terrain modeling.
📍 Example: Google Earth uses DEM data to create 3D terrain views of mountains, valleys, and cities.
🔹 NASA SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission) – A global DEM dataset mapping Earth's surface.
🔹 ASTER GDEM (Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission & Reflection Radiometer) – Provides worldwide elevation data at a 30m resolution.
🔹 USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) – High-resolution elevation models used in hydrology and landscape analysis.
🔹 Copernicus DEM (European Space Agency) – Used in climate studies, disaster management, and urban planning.
📍 Example: Scientists use NASA SRTM DEM data to model flood risks in coastal regions.
🔹 LiDAR-Based DTM for Flood Mapping – Governments use bare-earth DTMs to assess flood-prone areas.
🔹 Topographic DTMs for Road Construction – Civil engineers use DTMs to plan highways, tunnels, and bridges.
🔹 Mining & Geological DTMs – Used to analyze rock formations and mineral extraction sites.
🔹 Drone-Based DTM for Agriculture – Farmers use drone-mapped DTMs for precision irrigation and soil analysis.
📍 Example: Engineers use LiDAR DTMs to design railway tunnels through mountainous terrain.
🔹 Urban DSMs for City Planning – Used in 3D city modeling to simulate building heights and urban density.
🔹 Forestry DSMs for Tree Canopy Mapping – Helps in monitoring deforestation and carbon storage.
🔹 Telecommunication Planning DSMs – Used for cell tower placement and network coverage analysis.
🔹 Solar Energy Potential DSMs – Evaluates rooftop solar panel efficiency based on building heights.
📍 Example: A telecom company uses DSM data to find optimal locations for 5G cell towers in a city.
🔹 3D Printed Terrain Models – Used in universities and military training for landscape analysis.
🔹 Tactile Terrain Maps for Visually Impaired Users – Raised-relief maps allow blind users to feel the terrain.
🔹 Architectural Terrain Models – Helps urban designers visualize landscapes before construction.
🔹 Museum & Exhibition Models – Physical models of mountain ranges, historical sites, or planets.
📍 Example: A museum displays a 3D-printed terrain model of Mount Everest to show glacier changes over time.