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A digital elevation model (DEM) is a three-dimensional graphic of the "bare earth" surface of land shown without trees, buildings or other objects. DEMs can be created using traditional topographic maps, modern light detection and ranging (LIDAR) data and other sources gathered by airborne and space-based instruments. NASA's DEM data, such as files collected by the Space Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM), Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) and other instruments, are useful for a range of land research from predicting wildfire behavior to mapping terrain elevation for ecological conservation planning.

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Digital Elevation/Terrain Model Data and Tools

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This image provides before and after RTC of the Bolivian mountains (left -before, right - after)
Radiometrically Terrain-Correct (RTC) Sentinel-1 Data Using GAMMA Software
This data recipe shows users how to use GAMMA software and scripts for high-quality results to correct distortions in SAR images.
A segment of an image of ASTER registered radiance data over Guatemala on January 8, 2018
NASA Begins Final ASTER Data Processing Campaign
The final processing of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) data will make its archive more accessible to users.
Discover and Visualize Digital Elevation/Terrain Model Data
NASA data help us understand Earth's changing systems in more detail than ever before, and visualizations bring these data to life, making Earth science concepts accessible, beautiful, and impactful.
Data visualization is a powerful tool for analysis, trend and pattern recognition, and communication. Our resources help you find world-class data visualizations to complement and enhance your research. We also have tools and tutorials to help you translate digital elevation and terrain model data into compelling visuals.
Digital Elevation/Terrain Model Data and Tools
Digital Elevation/Terrain Model Data Catalog
NASA Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) V3 Global 1 arc second hillshade image of the Mt Everest region
This is a Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) hillshade image of the Mount Everest region. SRTM obtained elevation data across nearly 80% of Earth creating the first ever near-global DEM dataset. The data was captured in February 2000 using radar interferometry equipment operating from inside Space Shuttle Endeavour's payload bay.

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