NASADEM Global Digital Elevation Model

NASADEM is a modernization of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and associated products generated from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data. Interferometric SAR data from SRTM were reprocessed with an optimized hybrid processing technique in producing the data products. The data rely on multiple radar images to create interferograms with 2-dimensional phase arrays that result in greater elevation accuracy. Because of inherent characteristics of interferometric data, it needs to be wrapped and unwrapped so the data are quantifiable. NASADEM relied on the latest unwrapping techniques and auxiliary data that were not available during the original processing of SRTM data. The optimized technique minimized data voids and extended spatial coverage of the SRTM. Additional voids were filled with a variety of sources including ASTER GDEM, Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS) Panchromatic Remote sensing Instrument for Stereo Mapping (PRISM), USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED), and Canada and Alaska DEMs Global DEM Specifications. Vertical and tilt adjustments were applied based on ground control points and laser profiles from the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) mission. This application improved the vertical accuracy, swath consistency, and uniformity within the swath mosaic. The NASADEM products are freely available through the Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC) at one arcsecond spacing. For more information about this dataset, visit the Land Processes Distributed Active Archive Center (LP DAAC)