For more information, consider the following resources:
Jenson, S.K. and J.O. Domingue. 1988. Extracting Topographic Structure from Digital Elevation Data for Geographic Information System Analysis. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing. 54(11) 1593-1600.
Philip, G.M. and D.F. Watson. 1982. A Precise Method for Determining Contoured Surfaces. Australian Petroleum Exploration Association Journal 22: 205-212.
A good source of information regarding this USGS Digital Elevation Model can be found Online at: <http://rmmcweb.cr.usgs.gov/elevation/dpi_dem.html>
Scale is an important factor in data usage. Certain scale data sets are not suitable for some projects, analysis, or modeling purposes. Please be sure you are using the best available data.
1:24000 scale data sets are recommended for projects that are at the county level. 1:24000 data should NOT be used for high accuracy base mapping such as property parcel boundaries.
1:100000 scale data sets are recommended for projects that are at the multi-county or regional level. 1:250000 scale data sets are recommended for projects that are at the regional or state level or larger.
DEM's may be used in the generation of three-dimensional graphics displaying terrain slope, apsect (direction of slope), and terrain profiles between selected points. At the USGS, DEM's have been used in combination with digital raster graphics (DRG's), digital line graphs (DLG's), and digital orthophoto quadrangles (DOQ's) to both enhance the visual information for data extraction and revision purposes and to create aesthetically pleasing and dramatic hybrid digital images. Non-graphic applications such as modeling terrain and gravity data for use in the search for energy resources, calculating the volume of proposed reservoirs, and determining landslide probability have also been developed