Geomorphic Change Analysis Using ASTER and SRTM Digital Elevation Models in Central Massachusetts, USA

Abstract

This study examines the capacity of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation models (DEM) to measure human-induced alterations in drumlin landforms and assesses the impact of land cover on DEM accuracy. ASTER and SRTM DEMs were within the mission-specified accuracy range or were more accurate, with SRTM vertical accuracies highest over built and bare soil and lowest for forest and ASTER DEM accuracies highest over forest and lowest over agriculture and grassland land cover. Field observations indicate the ASTER DEM in combination with the SRTM DEM was able to successfully detect and quantify geomorphic change on known altered drumlin features.