The Definitive Guide To Dted: Everything You Need To Know

DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) is a raster digital elevation model (DEM) format developed by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It is a global dataset of terrain elevations with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator). DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

DTED data is important because it provides a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain. This data is used by a variety of organizations, including the military, government agencies, and commercial companies. DTED data has been used in a variety of applications, including:

• Flight simulation
• Terrain visualization
• Topographic mapping
• Land use planning
• Environmental modeling

DTED data is a valuable resource for a variety of applications. It is a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain, and it is used by a variety of organizations around the world.

Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED)

DTED, or Digital Terrain Elevation Data, is a raster digital elevation model (DEM) format developed by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It is a global dataset of terrain elevations with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator). DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

• Global coverage: DTED data provides a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain on a global scale.
• High resolution: DTED data has a resolution of one arc-second, which is approximately 30 meters at the equator. This makes it suitable for a variety of applications, including flight simulation and topographic mapping.
• Accuracy: DTED data is highly accurate, and it is used by a variety of organizations, including the military, government agencies, and commercial companies.
• Versatile: DTED data can be used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.
• Standardized: DTED data is a standardized format, which makes it easy to share and use.
• Available: DTED data is available for free from the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).
• Supported: DTED data is supported by a variety of software applications, including GIS software and flight simulators.

DTED data is a valuable resource for a variety of applications. It is a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain, and it is used by a variety of organizations around the world.

1. Global coverage

DTED data is unique in its global coverage and consistent accuracy. It is the only publicly available global DEM that meets the stringent standards required for military and civilian applications.

• Accuracy: DTED data is highly accurate, with a vertical accuracy of 10 meters or less. This accuracy is achieved through the use of high-quality source data and rigorous quality control procedures.
• Consistency: DTED data is consistent across the globe. This consistency is achieved through the use of a standardized data format and rigorous quality control procedures.
• Completeness: DTED data is complete for the entire globe. This completeness is achieved through the use of a variety of data sources, including satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic maps.
• Availability: DTED data is freely available to the public. This availability makes it a valuable resource for a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

The global coverage, accuracy, consistency, completeness, and availability of DTED data make it an essential resource for a variety of applications. It is the only publicly available global DEM that meets the stringent standards required for military and civilian applications.

2. High resolution

The high resolution of DTED data is one of its most important features. It allows DTED data to be used for a variety of applications that require accurate and detailed terrain information, such as flight simulation and topographic mapping.

In flight simulation, DTED data is used to create realistic terrain models that can be used for training pilots and developing flight plans. The high resolution of DTED data allows for the creation of terrain models that are accurate down to the smallest detail, which is essential for realistic flight simulation.

In topographic mapping, DTED data is used to create detailed maps of the Earth's surface. The high resolution of DTED data allows for the creation of maps that are accurate and visually appealing, which is essential for a variety of applications, such as land use planning and environmental modeling.

The high resolution of DTED data is a key factor in its versatility and usefulness. It allows DTED data to be used for a wide range of applications, from flight simulation to topographic mapping.

Here are some examples of how the high resolution of DTED data is used in practice:

• The United States military uses DTED data to create realistic terrain models for flight simulators. These simulators are used to train pilots and develop flight plans.
• The United States Geological Survey (USGS) uses DTED data to create topographic maps of the United States. These maps are used for a variety of purposes, such as land use planning and environmental modeling.
• Civilian companies use DTED data to create a variety of products, such as hiking maps, biking maps, and off-road navigation systems.

The high resolution of DTED data is a valuable asset for a variety of applications. It allows for the creation of accurate and detailed terrain models, which are essential for a variety of purposes.

3. Accuracy

The accuracy of DTED data is one of its most important features. It is what makes DTED data so valuable for a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

DTED data is accurate because it is derived from high-quality source data and is subject to rigorous quality control procedures. The source data for DTED includes satellite imagery, aerial photography, and topographic maps. This data is carefully processed to remove errors and ensure that the resulting DTED data is as accurate as possible.

The accuracy of DTED data is important for a variety of reasons. In flight simulation, accurate DTED data is essential for creating realistic terrain models that can be used to train pilots and develop flight plans. In terrain visualization, accurate DTED data is essential for creating realistic 3D models of the Earth's surface. In topographic mapping, accurate DTED data is essential for creating accurate and visually appealing maps.

The accuracy of DTED data has made it a valuable resource for a variety of organizations, including the military, government agencies, and commercial companies. The military uses DTED data to create realistic terrain models for flight simulators and to plan military operations. Government agencies use DTED data to create topographic maps and to conduct environmental modeling. Commercial companies use DTED data to create a variety of products, such as hiking maps, biking maps, and off-road navigation systems.

The accuracy of DTED data is a key factor in its versatility and usefulness. It allows DTED data to be used for a wide range of applications, from flight simulation to topographic mapping.

4. Versatile

DTED data is versatile because it can be used in a wide range of applications. This versatility is due to the fact that DTED data is a digital representation of the Earth's terrain, which makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, such as flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.

• Flight simulation: DTED data is used in flight simulators to create realistic terrain models that can be used to train pilots and develop flight plans.
• Terrain visualization: DTED data is used to create 3D models of the Earth's surface that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as military planning and environmental modeling.
• Topographic mapping: DTED data is used to create topographic maps that show the elevation and contours of the Earth's surface. These maps are used for a variety of purposes, such as land use planning and navigation.
• Land use planning: DTED data can be used to identify land use patterns and to plan for future land use. This information can be used to make decisions about where to build new roads, schools, and other infrastructure.
• Environmental modeling: DTED data can be used to create models of the Earth's environment. These models can be used to study the effects of climate change, land use change, and other environmental factors.

The versatility of DTED data makes it a valuable resource for a variety of users. DTED data can be used to create realistic terrain models, 3D models of the Earth's surface, topographic maps, land use plans, and environmental models. This data is essential for a variety of tasks, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.

5. Standardized

The standardized format of DTED data is one of its key features. It makes DTED data easy to share and use, which is essential for a variety of applications.

DTED data is standardized in terms of its format, structure, and content. This means that DTED data from different sources can be easily combined and used together. This is important for applications such as flight simulation and terrain visualization, which often require data from multiple sources.

The standardization of DTED data also makes it easy to develop software applications that can read and write DTED data. This has led to the development of a wide range of software applications that can use DTED data, including flight simulators, terrain visualization software, and topographic mapping software.

The standardized format of DTED data is a key factor in its versatility and usefulness. It makes DTED data easy to share and use, which is essential for a variety of applications.

6. Available

The availability of DTED data for free from the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is a key factor in its widespread use. It makes DTED data accessible to a wide range of users, including researchers, educators, and commercial companies.

The free availability of DTED data has led to its use in a variety of applications, including:

• Flight simulation
• Terrain visualization
• Topographic mapping
• Land use planning
• Environmental modeling

The availability of DTED data has also led to the development of a variety of software applications that can read and write DTED data. This has made it easier to use DTED data for a variety of purposes.

The free availability of DTED data is a key factor in its versatility and usefulness. It makes DTED data accessible to a wide range of users and has led to the development of a variety of software applications that can use DTED data.

7. Supported

The wide range of software applications that support DTED data is a testament to its versatility and usefulness. These applications include GIS software, flight simulators, terrain visualization software, and topographic mapping software.

• GIS software: GIS software is used to create and manage geographic information. DTED data can be used in GIS software to create 3D models of the Earth's surface, to analyze terrain data, and to plan land use.
• Flight simulators: Flight simulators are used to train pilots and to develop flight plans. DTED data is used in flight simulators to create realistic terrain models that can be used to simulate flight conditions.
• Terrain visualization software: Terrain visualization software is used to create 3D models of the Earth's surface. DTED data is used in terrain visualization software to create realistic models that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as military planning and environmental modeling.
• Topographic mapping software: Topographic mapping software is used to create topographic maps. DTED data is used in topographic mapping software to create accurate and visually appealing maps that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as land use planning and navigation.

The support for DTED data in a variety of software applications makes it a valuable resource for a wide range of users. DTED data can be used to create realistic terrain models, 3D models of the Earth's surface, topographic maps, and land use plans. This data is essential for a variety of tasks, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.

FAQs about DTED

DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) is a raster digital elevation model (DEM) format developed by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It is a global dataset of terrain elevations with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator). DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

Here are some frequently asked questions about DTED:

DTED is a digital elevation model (DEM) that represents the Earth's terrain. It is a raster dataset with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator).

DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.

DTED data is produced by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

Yes, DTED data is highly accurate. It is derived from high-quality source data and is subject to rigorous quality control procedures.

Yes, DTED data is available for free from the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

A variety of software applications support DTED data, including GIS software, flight simulators, terrain visualization software, and topographic mapping software.

DTED data is a valuable resource for a variety of applications. It is a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain, and it is available for free from the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

For more information about DTED data, please visit the NGA website.

Tips for using DTED data

DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) is a raster digital elevation model (DEM) format developed by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It is a global dataset of terrain elevations with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator). DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, and topographic mapping.

Here are five tips for using DTED data:

Tip 1: Choose the right resolution for your application.

DTED data is available in a variety of resolutions, from 1 arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator) to 10 arc-seconds (approximately 300 meters at the equator). The resolution you choose will depend on the application you are using the data for. For example, if you are using DTED data for flight simulation, you will need to choose a high-resolution dataset. If you are using DTED data for topographic mapping, you may be able to use a lower-resolution dataset.

Tip 2: Use the correct coordinate system.

DTED data is available in a variety of coordinate systems. The coordinate system you choose will depend on the application you are using the data for. For example, if you are using DTED data for flight simulation, you will need to use a coordinate system that is compatible with your flight simulator. If you are using DTED data for topographic mapping, you may be able to use a more general coordinate system.

Tip 3: Be aware of the data's accuracy.

DTED data is highly accurate, but it is important to be aware of the data's limitations. DTED data is derived from a variety of sources, and the accuracy of the data can vary depending on the source. For example, DTED data derived from satellite imagery may be less accurate than DTED data derived from aerial photography.

Tip 4: Use the data in conjunction with other data sources.

DTED data can be used in conjunction with other data sources to create more accurate and detailed terrain models. For example, DTED data can be used with aerial photography to create a realistic 3D model of the Earth's surface.

Tip 5: Store the data in a safe and secure location.

DTED data is a valuable resource, and it is important to store the data in a safe and secure location. DTED data can be stored on a hard drive, a DVD, or a cloud-based storage service.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using DTED data correctly and effectively.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

• DTED data is a valuable resource for a variety of applications.
• It is important to choose the right resolution, coordinate system, and accuracy for your application.
• DTED data can be used in conjunction with other data sources to create more accurate and detailed terrain models.
• It is important to store DTED data in a safe and secure location.

Transition to the article's conclusion:

DTED data is a powerful tool that can be used to create realistic and accurate terrain models. By following these tips, you can ensure that you are using DTED data correctly and effectively.

Conclusion

DTED (Digital Terrain Elevation Data) is a raster digital elevation model (DEM) format developed by the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). It is a global dataset of terrain elevations with a resolution of one arc-second (approximately 30 meters at the equator). DTED data is used in a variety of applications, including flight simulation, terrain visualization, topographic mapping, land use planning, and environmental modeling.

In this article, we have explored the importance, benefits, and historical context of DTED data. We have also discussed the different ways that DTED data can be used, and we have provided some tips for using DTED data effectively.

DTED data is a valuable resource for a variety of applications. It is a consistent and accurate representation of the Earth's terrain, and it is available for free from the United States National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA).

We encourage you to explore the many ways that DTED data can be used to create realistic and accurate terrain models.