Comprehensive Mapping and Data Solutions
What is Height Map Data?
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Height data provides detailed information about the elevation and vertical characteristics of the landscape. It is used by architects, engineers, planners, surveyors and environmental professionals to analyse terrain, model landscapes and support development decisions.
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The two products provide a detailed three-dimensional digital terrain model (DTMs) or digital surface model (DSMs) of Great Britain, enabling a full height map of the UK. A digital terrain model primarily defines the ground surface, having removed all protruding features (such as buildings and trees) elevated above the bare earth. A digital surface model includes features such as buildings and trees.
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Height data can also be combined with detailed base mapping products including as add ons to OS Mastermap & National Geographic Database to provide a more complete understanding of a location.
What is LiDAR height data?
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LiDAR height data provides highly accurate measurements of the height and elevation of the Earth's surface using advanced laser scanning technology. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) works by sending pulses of laser light towards the ground and measuring the time it takes for those pulses to return, creating a detailed representation of the landscape.
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This data allows users to understand the height, shape and features of an area in exceptional detail. LiDAR datasets can be used to create accurate digital terrain models (DTMs), digital elevation models (DEMs), contour maps and 3D visualisations for a wide range of applications. When combined with aerial imagery, height data can provide additional context by showing both the elevation characteristics and visual features of a site.
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Unlike traditional mapping methods, LiDAR can capture millions of individual elevation points, providing a detailed picture of both natural and built environments. Depending on the dataset, measurements can represent the bare earth surface or include features such as buildings, vegetation and other structures.
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LiDAR height data is commonly used by professionals in surveying, planning, engineering, environmental analysis and geographic information systems (GIS). Applications include flood risk modelling, site assessments, infrastructure planning, landscape analysis and the creation of accurate 3D terrain models.
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CentremapsLive provides access to high-quality UK height data, helping organisations obtain reliable elevation information for analysis, modelling and decision-making.
Why use Height Map Data?
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A true virtual landscape; OS Terrain 5 is the height map data you need to model construction projects within the wider landscape. This helps you give planners an accurate virtual view of your plans and the steps you’re taking to minimise their visual impact on the surrounding area.
Reduce the need for site visits; You can use our height maps to quickly understand the impact of flash floods on roads, homes and other major infrastructure. In addition to view shed analysis, traffic noise and drainage. With our height map data, you're able to assess the lie of the land on-screen, reducing the need for time-consuming site visits.
Harness the elements; OS Terrain 5 height map data helps you analyse wind speed and signal propagation. This is important when siting wind turbines, best located in exposed upland areas to maximise their power output, and mobile phone masts, which serve ever more data-hungry users
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) vs Digital Surface Model (DSM)
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When working with height map data, two of the most common datasets are Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and Digital Surface Models (DSMs). Although both provide information about elevation, they represent different aspects of the landscape.
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What is a Digital Terrain Model (DTM)?
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A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represents the elevation of the Earth's surface without including above ground features such as buildings, trees or other structures. It provides a detailed model of the bare ground, showing the natural shape and contours of the landscape.
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DTM data is commonly used for applications where understanding the underlying terrain is important, for example, accurate terrain models are often used alongside environmental datasets to support flood risk assessment and site analysis. These applications include:
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Flood risk assessment and drainage modelling
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Construction and infrastructure planning
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Landscape analysis
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Environmental modelling
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Topographic mapping
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Engineering and surveying projects
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Because DTMs remove surface features, they provide an accurate representation of the terrain itself and are particularly valuable when analysing slopes, elevation changes and ground conditions.
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What is a Digital Surface Model (DSM)?
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A Digital Surface Model (DSM) represents the height of everything captured on the Earth's surface, including natural and man made features such as buildings, vegetation, roads & other structures.
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DSM data is useful for projects where surface features and their heights are important, including:
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Urban planning
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Telecommunications analysis
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Building height assessments
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Visual impact studies
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Vegetation and canopy analysis
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By including above ground features, DSMs provide a more complete representation of the visible landscape.
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What is the difference between DTM and DSM?
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The key difference between a DTM and DSM is what is included in the elevation model. DTMs only contain bare earth elevation, whereas DSMs involve the ground elevation data in addition to buildings, trees & other types of surface features.
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Both datasets are created using accurate elevation measurements, often captured through LiDAR technology. Choosing between a DTM and DSM depends on the requirements of the project and whether the focus is on the underlying terrain or the features that exist above it.
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CentremapsLive provides access to high-quality height data products, including elevation datasets suitable for GIS, planning, surveying and environmental applications.
Samples
(*with contours)