Examining the Interpolation Methods Used in Forming the Digital Elevation Models

Abstract

Today, digital elevation models and digital terrain models are used in many areas, such as GeographicalInformation Systems (GIS), several engineering work and management of natural resources. Digitalelevation models are a general source of data for terrain analysis and 3-D applications. The slope of theland, aspect, curvature, catchment area characteristics can be determined easily by the help of digitalelevation models. Therefore, besides the accurate production of digital elevation models, its fast andeconomical production becomes a goal. Different accuracy digital elevation model can be produced byusing different interpolation methods.In this study, the concepts of digital terrain model and digital elevation model are explained. In execution,3-D model was created from the point set whose x, y, z coordinates were known with differentinterpolation techniques. The results obtained were compared and tried to determine the best method thatworks.