Module 2.1 Lab: Surfaces - TINs and DEMs

 

Figure 1: Comparison of TIN (Top) and DEM (Bottom) Contours

This week I explored two different elevation data models in ArcGIS Pro: a TIN surface created from mass points and a DEM generated using Spline interpolation. Working with both helped me understand how the same elevation dataset can produce different representations of terrain. The TIN model captured sharp, localized changes in elevation because each triangle is built directly from the original sample points. The DEM produced a smoother and more continuous surface, especially in areas where interpolation fills in gaps between points.

Comparing the contour lines made these differences easy to see. The TIN contours showed angular transitions that closely followed the elevation points, while the DEM contours were more rounded and gradual. Overlaying the elevation points on the DEM helped me visualize how point density and interpolation influence the final surface. Overall, this exercise showed the strengths of each model and how they can be used depending on the level of detail needed.