Where do I Get the Data?

Elevation data can be obtained from commercial data providers and if the required data is not available, it can be generated from existing mapping or even compiled from satellite or aerial imagery. If your organization maintains a corporate GIS, it is likely that they already have a DEM or data that can be used to generate one.

Imagery can consist of any combination of satellite data, aerial photographs and GIS data. These data can also be purchased from commercial data providers and may be available from within your own organization.

The data that is used will depend upon the purpose of the model. If the model needs to present a real world view of the terrain, a composite Landsat image or orthophoto draped over the model may provide the best results. If however, the model needs to communicate specific subject matter such as a proposed landscape change, areas of special interest or features not visible from the image, GIS and other graphic details may need to be combined with the imagery.

It is not necessary that you have DEM, imagery or GIS data. We provide the technical services necessary to compile and prepare the data.