Underwater Digital Elevation Model validation and accuracy assessment

Abstract

Digital Elevation Model (DEM) quality decides its applicability. Feasible methodology to generate underwater DEM is needed. This study, aided by ArcGIS 9.3, tested different algorithms and various settings of DEM generation using mass points of river underwater elevation. The results show that TIN is better than IDW interpolated Raster. Data of river cross profiles measured by qualified surveyors are used to assess the accuracies of the underwater DEM constructed, suggesting quality control of mass point data is the key for underwater production.