Abstract
To access the closeness of DEMs topography with the real field elevation, we evaluated the vertical accuracy of eight different freely accessible DEMs across different physiographic regions and the river basins of Nepal. Results revealed that MERIT DEM (90 m resolution) with RMSE of 9 m was found to be superior to other DEMs in Nepal's low-lying Terai plains where the elevation range lies between 59 m-721 m. In High mountains (515 m-5202 m) and High Himalayas (2150 m-8749 m) with higher elevation, SRTM90m with RMSE 260 m and 323 m respectively, outperformed all its counterpart. Meanwhile, in Siwalik and the middle mountains, both SRTM90m and HYDROSHEDS exhibited almost similar RMSE of 106 m indicating their compatible uses in these regions. Meanwhile, the accuracy assessment across different river basins of Nepal discerned that the accuracy of SRTM90m was above others in larger river basins like Koshi (RMSE 224 m), Narayani (RMSE 215 m) and Karnali (RMSE 265 m) where the range of elevation is greater. In the smaller to medium-sized basins like Kankai, Kamala, Bagmati, West Rapti and Babai, HYDROSHEDS was found preferable along with SRTM90m. Based on different error statistics, the rankings are given to each DEM in order of their accuracy.
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Data availability
The DEMs data used in this study can be accessed publicly from their websites as mentioned in the main text. The spot elevation data is the property of the Survey department, Nepal which can be acquired upon formal request and payment of the data fee.
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SK, SA, and AG conceptualised the idea for the study topic, including the collection of the data. SK and SA performed the data analysis in GIS and python programs. SK prepared the draft version of the manuscript which was finalized with the inputs from SA and AG.
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Communicated by: H. Babaie
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Karki, S., Acharya, S. & Gautam, A.R. Evaluation of vertical accuracy of open access DEMs across different physiographic regions and river basins of Nepal. Earth Sci Inform 16, 3745–3764 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12145-023-01114-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12145-023-01114-4