Terreinmodel

Terreinmodel, often called a terrain model in English, is a representation of the Earth's surface over a defined area. It captures elevation and topographic detail and can be digital or physical. In practice, a terrain model represents the bare ground surface (DTM), whereas a Digital Surface Model (DSM) includes vegetation and built structures.

Digital forms are typically created from remote sensing or surveying data, such as LiDAR point clouds or stereo photogrammetry. The data are processed to produce either a raster grid (DEM) or a vector mesh (TIN). Resolution and vertical accuracy depend on data sources and processing; common resolutions range from meters to sub-meter, with higher detail used for engineering tasks.

Generated products include elevation grids, contour lines, slope, aspect, and hillshades, which support visualization and analysis in GIS or CAD software.

Applications span urban planning, flood risk assessment, hydrological modeling, transport and utilities design, forestry and environmental monitoring, and archaeology. Physically, terrain models can be raised reliefs or 3D-printed replicas used for communication, planning, or education.

Limitations include scale dependency, data availability, and the need for accurate georeferencing and vertical datum. Terrain models must be maintained to reflect terrain change due to erosion, construction, or natural events.