Comparison of LIDAR and INSAR DEMs with dense ground control

Robert A. Norheim

GIS Analyst

University of Washington

Abstract:

Coextensive LIDAR and preliminary INSAR digital elevation models (DEMs), with extensive ground control, allow comparison of the two technologies in a well-watered suburban terrain of the Snoqualmie valley east of Seattle Washington. Terrain and land cover datasets are used to categorize the areas on which DEMs differed. A dense network of control points is also used to categorize the error in each DEM. The patterns of disparity and error are largely as expected given the strengths and weaknesses of the two technologies.