Towards Integrated Data Management and Analysis for Spatio-Temporal Digital Terrain Models

Abstract. Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) are still one of the most emerging products derived from remote sensing technologies such as LiDAR. A DTM usually is defined as the current digital representation of the earth´s surface. However, due to natural events and human influences the earth's surface is constantly changing. Therefore, the ability to analyse DTM data over time allows to understand and quantify changes, which are crucial for environmental monitoring, disaster management and urban planning. In this paper we introduce a GeoDBMS-based approach to manage, sustainably provide, analyse and visualize spatio-temporal DTM data. First, we review current approaches for the management and temporal modelling of DTM data. Then we present an event-based time-stamping spatio-temporal data model that meets special requirements for the management and analysis of DTMs to monitor spatial changes within the DTM in time. Based on this model, we present methods for the management and analysis of spatio-temporal DTMs. Thereby the model is extended by an appropriate server-infrastructure and a graphical user interface that enables to query, analyze, visualize and export time series of DTMs. Data consistency and accuracy for DTMs are also considered. A use case is conducted based on spatio-temporal DTM datasets of South-West Germany, demonstrating the suitability of the approach. Furthermore, geodetic applications and new DTM research directions are shown. Finally, conclusions are drawn from the paper and an outlook is presented describing our future research based on new use cases, including the analysis of DTMs and Digital Surface Models (DSMs) in the United Arab Emirates.