Analysis of the precision of different digital models of global and local elevations in continental Ecuador

Abstract

Currently, DEMs are inputs in multiple geoscience applications. Ecuador presents three regions with topographic characteristics that influence the performance of the DEM on altimetric precision. The main objective has been to analyze the precision of five global models and the official local model of the country, using GPS points to determine the level of adjustment of the DEM in the regions of Ecuador. The cities of Macas (Amazonian basin), Quito (Highlands) and Guayaquil (Coastal lowlands) were considered as study areas for each region. Statistics and spatial correlation / dispersion graphs were obtained with the R software, also with QGIS longitudinal profiles of the models were performed. According to the statistics calculated, the local SIG-TIERRAS model presents more auspicious results in the Highlands and Coast of the country, with an RMSE of 2,498, 1,556 meters, while in the Amazon the ALOS model is slightly better than the local DEM, with 5,792 meters of RMSE.