Applicability of the global TanDEM-X elevation data for terrain modelling of a forested karst area: a case study from Slovak Karst

New interferometric radar data of the TanDEM-X space mission have become recently available as a global digital elevation model providing 0.4 arc second spatial resolution (ca. 12 meters). The dataset brings new options into geoscientific research across multiple scales. However, accuracy and suitability this not been evaluated in such an extensive manner as, for example, widely used SRTM which is 1 30 m). We present validation vertical DEM product evaluation its landform classification forested karst area. segmentation using geomorphons was automated object-based classification. focused on identification dolines polygons mapped by expert-driven approach were validation. Airborne lidar form DSM DTM reference accuracy. results from study area show that RMSE 3.42 m with respect to 9.64 comparison DTM. geomorphon achieved 73 % TanDEM-X, lower than (85 %). errors strongly correlated canopy height derived suggesting limited mapping fine-scale geomorphological features under forests while there good match terrain open areas. URL: https://www.gcass.science.upjs.sk/