1 Global Digital Elevation Models Market Outlook
The global Digital Elevation Models market is projected to exhibit substantial growth in the coming years, with a CAGR of 12.80% from 2024 to 2033, reaching a total market size of $989.98 million USD in 2024. Digital Elevation Models can be categorized into two main types: Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). DSMs represent the elevations of the reflective surfaces of trees, buildings, and other features above the ground, while DTMs provide a three-dimensional representation of the bare earth terrain. Both types are crucial for various industries, with DSMs being particularly useful for urban planning and telecommunications, and DTMs being essential for geological exploration and environmental modeling.
Figure Global Digital Elevation Models Market Size and Growth Rate (2024-2033)

2 Digital Elevation Models Market Growth Drivers and Constraints
The growth of the Digital Elevation Models market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the rapid urbanization and the shift towards 5G technology in the telecommunications industry have significantly increased the demand for accurate DEMs. Urban planners and telecom companies require detailed terrain data to optimize infrastructure development and network deployment. Additionally, the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters have led governments and organizations to invest more in DEMs for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Another significant driver is the growing demand from emerging countries. Developing nations in Asia and Africa are increasingly purchasing high-resolution DEMs to support their infrastructure projects and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The development of advanced technologies such as airborne InSAR, LiDAR, and UAVs has also made it easier and more cost-effective to generate high-resolution DEMs.
However, the market also faces several limiting factors. One of the primary challenges is the lack of precision in some DEMs available on the market. Free DEMs often lack the required spatial resolution, accuracy, and corrections, which can limit their effectiveness for certain applications. Additionally, the high cost of generating and maintaining high-resolution DEMs can be a barrier for smaller companies and organizations.
3 Digital Elevation Models Market Innovations and M&A Activities
The Digital Elevation Models market has seen significant technological innovations in recent years. Advances in satellite imaging, LiDAR technology, and data processing have led to higher resolution and more accurate DEMs. Companies are increasingly using multi-source remote sensing data, such as combining LiDAR, SAR, and optical imagery, to create seamless, high-resolution DEMs. Additionally, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Structure from Motion (SfM) technology has made it possible to capture detailed terrain data in remote and difficult-to-access areas.
Corporate mergers and acquisitions have also played a significant role in shaping the DEM market. For example, MDA’s acquisition of Digital Globe in 2017 created a leading integrated provider of satellite, imaging, and geospatial solutions. This merger expanded the company’s capabilities and market reach, allowing it to offer a wider range of services to its customers. Similarly, PASCO Corporation’s acquisition of Keystone Aerial Surveys Inc. in 2011 strengthened its operations in North and Central America and expanded its geospatial business globally.
In conclusion, the global Digital Elevation Models market is poised for significant growth over the next few years, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand from various industries. While challenges remain, the market’s potential for innovation and expansion continues to attract investment and drive development.
4 Global Digital Elevation Models Market Analysis by Type
By 2024, the global Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) market is projected to reach a total value of 989.98 million USD. The market is segmented into two main types: Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). DSMs are expected to account for 59.96% of the market value, with a projected value of 599.33 million USD. DTMs will hold the remaining 40.04%, valued at 390.64 million USD. This distribution reflects the ongoing demand for high-resolution surface data in various applications, including telecommunications, urban planning, and environmental studies, where DSMs are particularly crucial. Meanwhile, DTMs continue to play a vital role in geological exploration and infrastructure projects that require detailed terrain information.
Table Global Digital Elevation Models Market Size and Share by Type in 2024
Type | Market Size in 2024 (M USD) | Market Share in 2024 (%) |
---|---|---|
Digital Surface Model (DSM) | 599.33 | 59.96% |
Digital Terrain Model (DTM) | 390.64 | 40.04% |
5 Global Digital Elevation Models Market Analysis by Application
By 2024, the global Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) market is forecasted to reach a total value of 989.98 million USD, with various applications contributing to this growth. The Telecommunications Industry is expected to hold the largest market share at 26.92%, valued at 266.50 million USD. The Planning and Construction Industry follows closely with a 23.02% share, contributing 227.89 million USD to the market. Air Traffic Routes and Navigation will account for 18.26% of the market, valued at 180.77 million USD. The Weather Service is projected to contribute 10.39% or 102.86 million USD, while the Geological Exploration Industry will hold a 21.41% share, valued at 211.95 million USD. These forecasts highlight the diverse applications of DEMs across multiple sectors, with significant growth anticipated in telecommunications and geological exploration, driven by the increasing demand for accurate terrain data.
Table Global Digital Elevation Models Market Size and Share by Application in 2024
Application | Market Size in 2024 (M USD) | Market Share in 2024 (%) |
---|---|---|
Telecommunications Industry | 266.50 | 26.92% |
Planning and Construction Industry | 227.89 | 23.02% |
Air Traffic Routes and Navigation | 180.77 | 18.26% |
Weather Service | 102.86 | 10.39% |
Geological Exploration Industry | 211.95 | 21.41% |
6 Global Digital Elevation Models Market Analysis by Region
By 2024, the global Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) market is expected to be valued at 989.98 million USD, with North America leading the regional market shares. North America is projected to hold 31.03% of the global market value, amounting to 307.36 million USD. Europe follows with a 23.27% share, valued at 230.19 million USD. China is anticipated to have a 19.63% market share, contributing 194.22 million USD. Japan will hold 6.24% of the market, valued at 61.72 million USD. The Middle East & Africa region is forecasted to account for 3.52%, or 34.86 million USD. India will contribute 3.92%, valued at 38.81 million USD, while South America is expected to hold a 7.23% share, amounting to 71.53 million USD. These regional forecasts highlight the continued dominance of North America and Europe, while also noting the significant contributions from emerging markets like China and India.
Figure Global Digital Elevation Models Market Share by Region in 2024

7 Top 3 Companies of Global Digital Elevation Models Market
7.1 Airbus
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
Airbus is a global leader in the aerospace and defense industry, with a strong focus on innovation and technology. Established in 1970, Airbus has a global presence and operates in various sectors, including commercial aircraft, defense, space, and security. The company is known for its cutting-edge technologies and solutions that drive the industry forward. Airbus’s business distribution spans worldwide, and it is particularly recognized for its contributions to space and defense solutions.
Products Offered:
Airbus offers a comprehensive range of Digital Elevation Models, including both Digital Surface Models (DSMs) and Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). Their products are known for their high accuracy and reliability, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Key features of Airbus’s DEMs include:
High Resolution: Based on very high-resolution optical stereo imagery, ensuring detailed and accurate terrain representation.
Compliance: Suitable for military standards (e.g., HRE40 and HRE10), making them ideal for defense and security applications.
Customization: Production on demand for specific areas of interest, providing tailored solutions to meet client needs.
Sales Revenue in the Latest Year:
Airbus’s revenue from the Digital Elevation Models market was 113.32 million USD. This figure reflects the company’s strong market position and its ability to deliver high-quality products and services. Airbus’s continued investment in research and development ensures that it remains at the forefront of technological advancements, further solidifying its market leadership.
7.2 Digital Globe
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
Digital Globe, established in 1992, is the world’s leading provider of high-resolution commercial satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. The company specializes in delivering advanced imaging solutions derived from satellite constellations and air networks. Digital Globe’s products and services are used in various applications, including mapping, analysis, and navigation technology. With a comprehensive ImageLibrary and a range of online and offline products, Digital Globe enables customers to seamlessly integrate high-resolution imagery into their business operations.
Products Offered:
Digital Globe offers a suite of Digital Elevation Models designed to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Their products include:
Advanced Elevation Suite: Provides the highest quality DEMs, available off-the-shelf or custom-built. These models offer global coverage with options for different levels of accuracy and resolution.
GIS-Ready Models: Ensuring that customers can focus on analysis rather than data processing, Digital Globe’s DEMs are compatible with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Sales Revenue in the Latest Year:
Digital Globe’s revenue from the Digital Elevation Models market was 94.01 million USD. This revenue highlights the company’s strong market position and its ability to provide high-quality, reliable DEMs to a wide range of customers. Digital Globe’s continued focus on innovation and customer satisfaction ensures its ongoing success in the market.
7.3 L3Harris Geospatial
Company Introduction and Business Overview:
L3Harris Geospatial, established in 1977, is a leading provider of geospatial solutions and technologies. The company specializes in delivering end-to-end solutions that meet mission-critical customer needs. L3Harris Geospatial operates in various sectors, including aerospace, defense, and commercial markets. With a global presence and a strong focus on innovation, L3Harris Geospatial is recognized for its advanced defense and commercial technologies.
Products Offered:
L3Harris Geospatial offers a wide range of Digital Elevation Models, including both DSMs and DTMs. Their products are designed to provide comprehensive coverage of the Earth’s surface, with various resolution options to meet different customer needs. Key features of L3Harris Geospatial’s DEMs include:
Global Coverage: Ensuring that customers have access to DEMs for any location on Earth.
High Accuracy: Providing detailed and accurate terrain data, suitable for a variety of applications.
Custom Solutions: Offering tailored DEMs to meet specific customer requirements.
Sales Revenue in the Latest Year:
L3Harris Geospatial’s revenue from the Digital Elevation Models market was 52.85 million USD. This revenue reflects the company’s strong market position and its ability to deliver high-quality geospatial solutions. L3Harris Geospatial’s ongoing investment in research and development ensures that it remains a key player in the industry, providing innovative and reliable products to its customers.