Thank you for the information, I have a question. 1) Can I use DEM instead of DSM? 2) Instead of using a DEM, is it possible to reflect the height information of the building?
Using a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) instead of a Digital Surface Model (DSM) for identifying solar energy potential can be done, but there are important considerations to keep in mind: DEM vs. DSM: DEM (Digital Elevation Model): Represents the bare earth surface, excluding buildings, vegetation, and other surface features. Provides the elevation of the ground without any obstacles. DSM (Digital Surface Model): Includes the elevation of the earth’s surface along with all objects on it, such as buildings, trees, and other structures. Provides the elevation of the highest surface at each location, which is more relevant for assessing solar energy potential, especially in urban areas. Use DSM Where Possible: For more accurate and realistic solar energy potential assessments, especially in urban or complex terrains, use a DSM. This will account for the shading effects of buildings and other surface features. DEM Use Case: If you only have access to a DEM and your area of interest is primarily open and flat (such as agricultural fields or wilderness areas), then a DEM may be an acceptable substitute, but with an understanding of its limitations. While a DEM can be used with the ArcGIS Pro Raster Solar Radiation tool, it may not provide the most accurate results in built-up areas where surface obstructions are important. A DSM is generally recommended for solar energy potential assessments, especially in urban settings.
Thank you for the information, I have a question. 1) how can we get free DSM data for any part of the world? 2) can ArcGIS Pro automatically generate a chart based on an output for a defined area of building footprints eg statistics for buildings in a district
