Enhancing the usability of digital elevation data

Digital elevation model (DEM) is one of the most important datasets for the greater part of spatial-based studies and research. Generally, a high quality DEM could be used as all-purpose dataset, but unfortunately its production could be very expensive. If we know a nature of application that applies DEM, if our demands for the final result are clear, and if provider of DEM gives enough clear information for usability of DEM to potential user, then the producer can simplify its production or user can adjust the DEM selection. From the user’s point of view, the selection of DEM can be greatly simplified if appropriate tools are available.