A digital surface model is primarily used to represent what?

A digital surface model (DSM) is designed to represent both ground elevations and the physical structures found above the ground, such as buildings, trees, and other objects. This comprehensive representation is essential for various applications, including urban planning, forestry, and landscape analysis, as it captures the topography of the land along with the intricate details of the built environment.

In contrast to other models, such as a digital terrain model (DTM) which only represents ground elevations without any objects above, the DSM provides a complete view of the surface features. This capability is particularly important for tasks that involve assessing visibility, analyzing solar potential for buildings, or creating 3D visualizations. By including both ground elevations and structures, the DSM serves as a crucial tool in geographic information systems and spatial analysis.