Some photogrammetry software allows what they call automatic ground extraction or DTM creation. This process is algorithmic and is not based on return values given by LiDAR data. Using a DSM in Virtual Surveyor allows for an interactive experience on a highly detailed and accurate surface, with exact placement of survey items by the user. The accuracy and detail of your survey data is surprisingly limited when you are not using the generated DSM from your photogrammetry software.

Advantages of the DSM:

  • You are using the full resolution of your drone flight.
  • Placement of survey items is determined by you.
  • You have total control of data extraction.

Disadvantages of the DTM:

  • Some software decimates the data before object extraction by a factor of five.
  • Classification of surface data is based on a programmer's assumptions.
  • Results are many times not available until the end of long processing times.
  • Changes in the extraction variables require lengthy reprocessing.

Real-world example:

In the example below, one of our clients called and said that Virtual Surveyor was changing the elevations by approximately two feet. The client was performing a construction verification survey and had multiple control points on the project. After checking his ground control and the data in his photogrammetry software, there was indeed a definite discrepancy. After a lot of investigation, we discovered that he had the DTM generation option turned on in his software and he had used that file to create his Virtual Surveyor project. After we recreated the project using the correct file (DSM and not the DTM) all the elevations were correctly verified, and our client produced some great-looking CAD drawings. 

The yellow box in the image above is the area that we'll focus on for Images A and B below. Image A is the surface created using the DTM file from the photogrammetry software, while Image B depicts the project that was created using the DSM file with maximum detail setting in the photogrammetry software.

Image A - DTM Detail:

Image B - DSM Detail:

As shown in the table below, you can see the elevation differences between the DSM and the DTM. When comparing both captured screens, notice that there is much more detail in Image B (DSM), especially around the standpipe labeled as location number 3. Image A (DTM) excludes the standpipe and inaccurately creates modeled depressions on the surface that do not actually exist. Close examination of the dam surface reveals that the top was at or near an elevation of 742 ft. The top of the dam in the DTM model varied in elevation from 737.7 ft to 739.4 ft., with a high spot at location number 2, as shown in Image A.

SurfacePoint #1Point #2
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) Image A738.70 ft740.35 ft
Digital Surface Model (DSM) Image B741.14 ft741.91 ft
Elevation Differences    2.44 ft    1.56 ft


While it is tempting to try and save some time by using the DTM, the above example illustrates the inaccuracy that can happen from using automated solutions that you have no control over. It is fortunate, for this use case, that the user double-checked his data before proceeding forward with additional work. It is better to have a 100% data set that you have full confidence in, rather than wondering and having to reprocess multiple times. As a land surveyor, I want to decide what I keep for my DTM. Using the full DSM, along with Virtual Surveyor, provides me with total control of what I need in my topographic survey.