Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)

A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is a digital representation of the Earth's surface elevation. It is created using data from satellites, aircraft, or ground surveys to map the terrain's heights across a specific area. DEMs are used in various fields like geography, environmental management, and engineering to analyze landforms, plan infrastructure, and assess natural hazards. They provide a 3D-like view of the landscape, helping us understand features like mountains, valleys, and flood zones. Essentially, a DEM is a detailed, computer-based topographic map showing how high or low the Earth's surface is at any point within a region.