What DEMs are
A DEM is a grid of numerical data that describes terrain elevation at specific geographic coordinates.
Each cell in the model contains an elevation value, allowing the terrain shape to be digitally reconstructed.
Why DEMs are important
Elevations recorded by GPS receivers are often less accurate than horizontal coordinates.
Using DEMs makes it possible to correct GPS elevations, improve elevation profiles and obtain more realistic elevation gain values.
DEM and GPX track analysis
Digital Elevation Models are used to analyze hiking routes, calculate ascents and descents and generate detailed elevation profiles.
These data are particularly useful for trekking, mountain biking, mountaineering and outdoor planning.
DEM resolution and accuracy
The quality of a DEM mainly depends on its spatial resolution, that is, the distance between grid cells.
High-resolution DEMs allow more detailed analysis, but require more storage space and processing power.
Types of DEM data
DEMs can be derived from satellite surveys, radar, aerial photogrammetry or LIDAR scans.
Among the most commonly used datasets in the outdoor and GIS sectors are SRTM, ASTER and local LIDAR data.
Using DEMs with OkMap
OkMap allows you to load and use DEM data to correct GPS elevations, calculate elevation profiles and obtain detailed route statistics. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The software also allows integration of DEMs with raster maps and GPX tracks, improving the accuracy and quality of outdoor analyses. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}