Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Extraction using Google Earth and Terrain Zonum Solutions Online Tool

Abstract

Topographic data or DEM are commonly perceived as providing loaded information for various types of modeling. However, this information severely limited and most users rely on published topographic maps or DEM produced by government agencies. This paper proposes an alternative method of generating DEM by using online source of elevation data which is easier and free. Firstly, the location of the study area identified in Google Earth and marked using marking tool functions in Google Earth. The coordinates were exported to an online application tools named Terrain Zonum Solutions for extracting 5000 elevation points for the area. These points were uploaded and processed in ArcGIS-10 to generate the DEM. Based on the result, this study proposes an alternative method in obtaining a DEM data for a wide area with reduced expenditure, time and man-power drastically in comparison to traditional process. Common uses of DEM includes: extracting terrain parameters for geomorphology and physical geography, modeling water flow for hydrology or mass movement (for example avalanches and landslides), creation of relief maps, rendering of 3D visualizations, 3D flight planning, creation of physical models (including raised relief maps), rectification of aerial photography or satellite imagery, engineering and infrastructure design, line-of-sight analysis, base mapping, flight simulation, precision farming and forestry, surface analysis, intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and archaeology.

Keywords: Digital elevation model (DEM), Google Earth, GIS, GPS, terrain zonum solutions

Cite this Article

Pradeep Sangwan, Sunil Sharma. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Extraction using Google Earth and Terrain Zonum Solutions Online Tool. Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS. 2018; 9(3): 23–29p.