digital elevation model

[/ˈdɪdʒɪtəl ˌɛlɪˈveɪʃən ˈmɑːdəl/]
nounpl: digital elevation models
modelo digital de elevação
1. A digital representation of terrain surface elevation data, typically created from remote sensing or surveying methods, used in geographic information systems (GIS) and cartography
The geologists used a digital elevation model to analyze the watershed and predict flood patterns.
Os geólogos usaram um modelo digital de elevação para analisar a bacia hidrográfica e prever padrões de inundação.
2. A raster or grid-based dataset where each cell contains elevation information for a specific geographic location
The high-resolution digital elevation model revealed previously unmapped valleys in the mountain range.
O modelo digital de elevação de alta resolução revelou vales anteriormente não mapeados na cordilheira.
Digital elevation models are fundamental tools in Brazilian and Portuguese-speaking countries for environmental management, urban planning, and natural resource assessment. The acronym DEM or MDE is widely recognized in academic and professional geospatial communities across Portuguese-speaking regions. This terminology is particularly important in Brazil for Amazon monitoring, flood management, and infrastructure development projects.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
DEMelevation modeldigital terrain modelDTMraster elevation data

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
modelo digital de elevação
Standard term used in Brazilian geography, engineering, and GIS communities
Portugal
modelo digital de elevação
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; also used in Portuguese academic and professional GIS contexts
Technical/Academic
MDE
Common abbreviation in both Brazilian and European Portuguese technical literature

Related Words

geographic information systemtopographyremote sensingLiDARcartographyterrain analysisgeospatial data
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