ASTER Orthorectified Digital Elevation Model (DEM) V003

ASTER satellite stereo imagery generates digital elevation models with a reported accuracy frequently better than 25 meters root mean square error. The product uses nadir and backward-viewing bands in the near-infrared spectrum, acquired approximately one minute apart, to create stereoscopic data. It includes both elevation data and up to 15 orthorectified image layers across visible, shortwave, and thermal infrared spectra.

Use Cases

• Terrain modeling and slope analysis based on the 3D digital elevation model.
• Change detection and landform mapping using the multi-spectral orthorectified image layers.
• Hydrological flow modeling based on derived elevation and surface characteristics.
• Infrastructure planning and geological studies leveraging the stereoscopic accuracy of the data.

Strengths

• Validation testing indicates DEM accuracy frequently exceeds 25 meters RMSE in xyz dimensions.
• Multi-file product includes both elevation data and up to 15 orthorectified spectral bands.
• Data is hosted on multiple authoritative platforms (NASA Earthdata, Data.gov), indicating established use.

Limitations

• Metadata completeness is low; specific column names, row counts, and dataset size are unknown.
• A known data acquisition gap exists from November 28, 2024, to January 16, 2025, for VNIR observations.
• The AST14DMO Version 3 product was decommissioned on December 15, 2025, indicating versioning and access changes.

Provenance

Source

NASA's Terra satellite ASTER instrument, processed by LPCLOUD/LP DAAC.

Collection Method

Generated from stereoscopic pairs of ASTER Level 1A images using bands 3N and 3B.

Freshness

Last updated on 2026-03-13 according to NASA Earthdata and Data.gov.

Geography

Global coverage from the Terra satellite's orbit.