Development of digital elevation models (DEMs) for agricultural applications
by Abd Aziz, Samsuzana, Ph.D., IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, 2008, 134 pages; 3342231

Abstract:

Terrain modeling is one of the prime approaches that can be used to assess the spatial variability of agricultural fields and their surrounding ecosystems. The representation of terrain in the form of digital elevation models (DEMs) can be used to help the implementation of the applications of precision conservation management practices. GPS-equipped farm vehicles enable landowners to utilize elevation data during normal field operations for the development of agricultural field DEM. Generation of DEMs from measurements acquired with such systems provided users with additional benefits from the original capital investment in the equipment. This research provided extensive but useful guidance on appropriate procedures involved in the development of field DEMs for land users to take full advantage of the existing technology. Digital elevation models, like other maps, are models that deviate from reality. Depending on process, methods and procedures to generate the DEMs, the topographic parameters derived from a DEM contain uncertainties. In this study, the uncertainty of DEM estimates was assessed and found to be useful to enhance the sampling strategy in improving the accuracy of the DEMs. The effect of DEM uncertainty on topographic parameters was investigated and found that DEM uncertainty has a substantial impact on soil erosion prediction which may affect the consequence management decisions such as the decision on how much biomass need to be removed from the field for conservation practice. Many users particularly farmers, may not be knowledgeable about the theory, so they will appreciate the guidance about appropriate analysis that helps them make good choices for their data and applications.

 
AdviserBrian L. Steward
SchoolIOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
SourceDAI/B 70-01, p. , Mar 2009
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsAgriculture engineering; Remote sensing
Publication Number3342231
Adobe PDF Access the complete dissertation:
 

» Find an electronic copy at your library.
  Use the link below to access a full citation record of this graduate work:
  http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl%3furl_ver=Z39.88-2004%26res_dat=xri:pqdiss%26rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation%26rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:3342231
  If your library subscribes to the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database, you may be entitled to a free electronic version of this graduate work. If not, you will have the option to purchase one, and access a 24 page preview for free (if available).

About ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
With over 2.3 million records, the ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT) database is the most comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses in the world. It is the database of record for graduate research.

The database includes citations of graduate works ranging from the first U.S. dissertation, accepted in 1861, to those accepted as recently as last semester. Of the 2.3 million graduate works included in the database, ProQuest offers more than 1.9 million in full text formats. Of those, over 860,000 are available in PDF format. More than 60,000 dissertations and theses are added to the database each year.

If you have questions, please feel free to visit the ProQuest Web site - http://www.proquest.com - or call ProQuest Hotline Customer Support at 1-800-521-3042.