Accuracy Analysis of a LiDAR Digital Elevation Model

Abstract

The study concluded that although DEMs with higher resolution usually delineate inundation zones significantly better than coarser DEMs, terrain representation accuracy also plays an important factor in the analysis. Therefore, the best models to use are those of high resolution with good accuracy. Modern technology along with the 3D Elevation Program has brought means of acquiring high resolution data by utilizing lidar equipment. DEMs created from lidar data are capable of possessing horizontal resolutions of two meters or less, and are fine enough to differentiate features such as individual properties and buildings (Cooper et al. 2013). Substituting lidar DEMs for scientific studies such as the one described above will undoubtedly yield better and more accurate results. However, lidar DEMs are just as susceptible to errors as coarser DEMs, and should be used with caution until a reliable accuracy analysis has been conducted. This thesis aims to provide a methodology to conduct such an analysis, specifically on a lidar digital elevation model of southeastern Oahu produced in 2009.