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digital elevation model

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  1. [data models] Often abbreviated to DEM. A general term referencing modeled elevation values over a topographic surface, whether a gridded raster or an irregular TIN. DEMs can refer to bare earth or a top surface that includes trees and buildings. Media/digital-elevation-model.gif
  2. [data models] A raster dataset produced from a sample of elevations or depths taken on a regular grid, typically used to represent the bare-earth terrain, void of vegetation and human-made features; sometimes confused with digital terrain model or digital surface model.
  3. [data models] A format for elevation data, tiled by map sheet, produced by the National Mapping Division of the USGS.

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