An evaluation of void‐filling interpolation methods for SRTM data
Top Cited Papers
- 1 October 2007
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in International Journal of Geographical Information Science
- Vol. 21 (9), 983-1008
- https://doi.org/10.1080/13658810601169899
Abstract
The Digital Elevation Model that has been derived from the February 2000 Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) has been one of the most important publicly available new spatial data sets in recent years. However, the ‘finished’ grade version of the data (also referred to as Version 2) still contains data voids (some 836,000 km2)—and other anomalies—that prevent immediate use in many applications. These voids can be filled using a range of interpolation algorithms in conjunction with other sources of elevation data, but there is little guidance on the most appropriate void‐filling method. This paper describes: (i) a method to fill voids using a variety of interpolators, (ii) a method to determine the most appropriate void‐filling algorithms using a classification of the voids based on their size and a typology of their surrounding terrain; and (iii) the classification of the most appropriate algorithm for each of the 3,339,913 voids in the SRTM data. Based on a sample of 1304 artificial but realistic voids across six terrain types and eight void size classes, we found that the choice of void‐filling algorithm is dependent on both the size and terrain type of the void. Contrary to some previous findings, the best methods can be generalised as: kriging or inverse distance weighting interpolation for small and medium size voids in relatively flat low‐lying areas; spline interpolation for small and medium‐sized voids in high‐altitude and dissected terrain; triangular irregular network or inverse distance weighting interpolation for large voids in very flat areas, and an advanced spline method (ANUDEM) for large voids in other terrains.Keywords
This publication has 20 references indexed in Scilit:
- Causes and consequences of error in digital elevation modelsProgress in Physical Geography: Earth and Environment, 2006
- Accuracy of interpolation techniques for the derivation of digital elevation models in relation to landform types and data densityGeomorphology, 2006
- Analysis and characterization of the vertical accuracy of digital elevation models from the Shuttle Radar Topography MissionJournal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 2005
- Combination of SRTM3 and repeat ASTER data for deriving alpine glacier flow velocities in the Bhutan HimalayaRemote Sensing of Environment, 2005
- Interpolation of digital elevation models using AMLE and related methodsIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, 2002
- Modelling topography with SAR interferometry: illustrations of a favourable and less favourable environmentComputers & Geosciences, 2001
- Error in a USGS 30-meter digital elevation model and its impact on terrain modelingJournal of Hydrology, 2000
- SIR‐C/X‐SAR multifrequency multipass interferometry: A new tool for geological interpretationJournal of Geophysical Research, 1996
- A continental hydrological assessment of a new grid‐based digital elevation model of AustraliaHydrological Processes, 1991
- A new procedure for gridding elevation and stream line data with automatic removal of spurious pitsJournal of Hydrology, 1989