Course content

Digital terrain models have many potential applications. Examples can be for sustainable management of land resources, understanding natural hazards and for design and implementation of projects in construction and building industry. Digital terrain models are an essential tool for digitalization in the construction and building industry.

Central topics of this course:

• What is a digital terrain model
• How a digital terrain model can be established
• Data collection, various interpolation methods with accuracy assessments
• Curve generation from spot elevations and terrain lines
• Bases with several layers
• Design: basic road design, excavation pits, boreholes
• Volume calculations
• Visualization and perspective drawing, shading, removal of hidden lines, combination with orthophoto, rendering
• Establishment and control of terrain model
• Digital data flow
• BIM/3D-models
• Airborne LiDAR fundaments
• Airborne LiDAR production. Error sources, quality control, analyses, and applications

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the candidate shall:

• Be able to describe and evaluate possibilities and limitations for digital terrain models
• Be able to describe and compare different data capture methods for digital terrain models
• Be able to document basic insights on the concepts, possibilities and applications of terrain models, and relate this to selected and related subject areas.
• Be able to execute and describe basic principles of 3D interpolation, volume calculation and visualization
• Be able to describe and communicate knowledge of digital data flow
• Describe quality, availability, and applications for laser scanning

• Apply terrain model knowledge to solve both practical tasks and more theoretical tasks related to the practical use of a selected terrain modeling program
• Perform basic design of roads and excavation pits
• Perform volume calculations using software
• Establish, control the quality and update a terrain model using software
• Conduct an analysis and interpretation of a LIDAR dataset (puncture)

• Independence and ability to learn and use advanced 3D software
• Exercise interaction and collaboration through task solving
• Ability to independently and in cooperation with others to establish terrain model

Learning methods and activities

• Lectures
• Obligatory coursework and project work
• Supervision

Compulsory assignments

• Oblig

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

• BYGL1210 Geomatics

Course materials

Literature is given at start of semester.