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The Case for 3D Visualization in DEM Assessment

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Book cover Advances in Spatial Data Handling

Part of the book series: Advances in Geographic Information Science ((AGIS))

Abstract

The Digital Elevation Model, or DEM, is a common way to store elevation data. However, errors in various stages of DEM processing mean that the validity of a particular data point is uncertain. In many visualization systems, uncertainty in the data may be highlighted, but it is often difficult for the viewer to discern the exact nature of the problem. DEMView is a prototype DEM display system that incorporates several uncertainty visualizations, including curvature and local differences, while viewing the surface in two or three dimensions. The Profile Cutter and the magnifier are components of the system that allow the user to view a portion of the surface while keeping in the context of the overall area. In addition, the system displays visualizations for several quantitative uncertainty statistics. A detailed case study shows the efficacy of the system, especially the usefulness of viewing in three dimensions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wheaton College, Norton, MA, 02766, USA

    Michael B. Gousie

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  1. Michael B. Gousie
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Correspondence to Michael B. Gousie .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Geography, University of Augsburg, UNiversitätsstraße 10, Augsburg, 86159, Germany

    Sabine Timpf

  2. University of Zurich - Irchel, Department of Geography, Geographic Information Science, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zürich, 8057, Switzerland

    Patrick Laube

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Gousie, M.B. (2013). The Case for 3D Visualization in DEM Assessment. In: Timpf, S., Laube, P. (eds) Advances in Spatial Data Handling. Advances in Geographic Information Science. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-32316-4_3

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