Elevation Maps

Introduction to Elevation Maps

Elevation maps are essential tools in various fields, providing detailed information about the Earth’s surface and its features. They play a crucial role in planning, analysis, and decision-making across numerous industries. Our drone services offer three main types of elevation maps: contour maps, digital surface maps (DSM), and digital terrain maps (DTM). Each type serves unique purposes and offers specific insights tailored to different needs.

Contour Maps

Contour maps represent the Earth’s surface using contour lines, which connect points of equal elevation. These maps effectively illustrate the terrain’s shape and elevation changes, making them invaluable for topographical analysis. By displaying elevation differences, contour maps help in understanding the landscape’s slope, gradient, and elevation profile. They are widely used in fields such as civil engineering, environmental studies, and outdoor recreation planning.

Digital Surface Maps

Digital Surface Maps capture all surface features, including buildings, vegetation, and other structures. Unlike contour maps, DSMs provide a comprehensive view of everything that stands above the ground level. This detailed representation is particularly useful in urban planning, forestry, and landscape modelling. DSMs help in assessing vegetation height, building structures, and other surface features, enabling better planning and resource management.

Digital Terrain Maps

Digital Terrain Maps focus on representing the bare earth surface by removing all surface features like trees and buildings. This provides a clear view of the terrain itself, which is essential for various analytical purposes. DTMs are extensively used in topographical analysis, flood risk management, infrastructure development, and geological studies. By offering a precise depiction of the Earth’s surface, DTMs facilitate accurate planning and risk assessment.

Applications and Benefits

The different types of elevation maps we offer have diverse applications and benefits:

Contour Maps: Useful for outdoor recreation planning, environmental conservation, and infrastructure projects. They help in understanding the natural landscape and planning accordingly.

Digital Surface Maps (DSM): Ideal for urban planning, forestry management, and 3D modeling. They provide a detailed view of all surface features, aiding in comprehensive analysis and planning.

Digital Terrain Maps (DTM): Essential for flood risk management, geological surveys, and civil engineering projects. They offer a clear depiction of the bare earth, supporting accurate terrain analysis and decision-making.

By utilizing our advanced drone technology, we ensure high-quality and precise elevation maps that cater to the specific needs of your projects. Whether you need detailed surface features or a clear view of the terrain, our elevation maps provide the insights required for successful planning and execution.


The following examples illustrate various elevation maps DroneScout can produce for you