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Accuracy Assessment of Sentinel-1 SAR-Derived DEMs: Comparative Analysis with SRTM and ALOS References (13698) |
| Ochirkhuyag Lkhamjav and Fuan Tsai (Chinese Taipei) |
Mr Ochirkhuyag Lkhamjav
Graduate Student
National Central University
Department of Civil Engineering
Taoyuan
Chinese Taipei
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| Corresponding author Mr Ochirkhuyag Lkhamjav (email: olkhamjav[at]g.ncu.edu.tw, tel.: 0910049483) |
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| [ abstract ] [ paper ] [ handouts ] |
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Published on the web n/a
Received 2025-09-16 / Accepted n/a |
| This paper is one of selection of papers published for the FIG Congress 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa in Cape Town, South Africa and has undergone the FIG Peer Review Process. |
FIG Congress 2026 in Cape Town, South Africa
ISBN n/a ISSN 2308-3441
URL n/a
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Abstract |
| Accurate topographic mapping is vital for scientific, environmental, and engineering applications. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), including Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs), are essential for these purposes. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometry, particularly from Sentinel-1, offers significant potential for generating and updating DEMs due to its all-weather, high-resolution capabilities. This study conducts a comprehensive validation of Sentinel-1 SAR-derived DEMs by comparing them with established reference datasets, the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) and Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) DEMs, across diverse terrains (600–1,500 m elevation).
Using statistical metrics such as Pearson correlation, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and descriptive statistics, the research evaluates geometric fidelity and absolute elevation accuracy. Results indicate exceptional relative accuracy, with correlation coefficients (r > 0.999) for both reference datasets, confirming Sentinel-1’s ability to preserve topographic structure. However, a systematic elevation bias of 38–39 m was observed, with RMSE values of approximately 38–39 m and low standard deviations (2.94–3.24 m), indicating high precision despite absolute offsets. These findings suggest that while Sentinel-1 interferometry excels in relative elevation mapping, calibration is critical for absolute accuracy.
The study highlights Sentinel-1’s potential for supplementing global DEMs, particularly in low-vegetation environments. Terrain-specific bias corrections, advanced processing techniques like Persistent Scatterer Interferometry, and sensor fusion with laser altimetry or multi-frequency SAR are recommended for enhanced accuracy. These insights provide a robust framework for operational topographic mapping, supporting applications in geosciences and environmental monitoring.
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| Keywords: Geoinformation/GI; Remote sensing; Land management; SAR, DEM, Sentinel-1, accuracy, topography |
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