Examining the Interpolation Methods Used in Forming the Digital Elevation Models

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