Performance Assessment of the Global TanDEM-X Digital Elevation Model

Abstract

This paper reports the final performance of the TanDEM-X global DEM, presenting the developed acquisition and processing strategy, and a detailed analysis of all characteristic quality parameters. In particular, the global performance is assessed in terms of absolute and relative vertical accuracy, and coverage statistics. The absolute height accuracy is evaluated at a global scale by comparing TanDEM-X elevation measurements to ICESat laser data, while the relative height accuracy is globally derived from the interferometric coherence. Different types of land cover are also separately investigated, e. g. snow- and ice-covered regions or forested areas, in order to provide the user with a more detailed analysis of the specific TanDEM-X DEM performance. The obtained results confirm the outstanding quality of the delivered product, which can now be globally exploited for both scientific and commercial applications.