What is DEM Data Elevation?

In GIS technology, DEM stands for Digital Elevation Model which is a 3D representation of the earth's surface. It measures the elevation or altitude of the terrain, in other words, DEM data provides the height value of any geographic location above or below the sea level. The elevation data of DEM is used for many purposes in different fields. The higher the elevation value, the higher the terrain, and vice versa.

How to view DEM Data Elevation?

To make sense of DEM data, visualization is necessary. There are different ways to view the DEM elevation data depending on the software being used. In QGIS software, which is a free and open-source platform, the DEM data can be viewed by loading it as a raster layer on the map. Once the DEM layer is loaded, the elevation values can be displayed by adjusting the color ramp to represent the different height ranges accurately. The user can easily zoom in and out of the map and get the height value of any location by hovering over it with the mouse.

Why is DEM Data Elevation Important?

DEM data elevation plays a critical role in several industries. In construction and engineering, DEM data helps to create accurate contours and topographic maps which are needed for designing plans for buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure. In the agriculture sector, it is used to predict flooding and waterlogging in the fields. In the aviation industry, DEM elevation data helps to create accurate flight paths and mapping. Apart from these industries, DEM data is also used in environmental studies, geological surveys, and urban planning.

Conclusion

Overall, DEM data elevation is a crucial component in GIS technology. It provides important information on the elevation and shape of the earth's surface. Visualization of the DEM data allows a better understanding of the terrain in different environments, and thus helps with decision making in various industries. With the regular updates and improved accuracy of DEM data, the quality and usefulness of this data will continue to increase in the future.