The Need for a High-Accuracy, Open-Access Global Digital Elevation Model

This technical volume emerged from the evolving discourse surrounding geospatial data accessibility in the early 21st century. Authored by Guy Jean-Pierre Schumann, the work addresses the significant limitations inherent in existing topographical datasets, which were often restricted by proprietary licensing or insufficient spatial resolution. It was composed to advocate for a paradigm shift toward open-access standards that would better support hydrological modeling, climate change adaptation, and disaster risk management on a planetary scale.

The design and conceptual framework of this publication draw upon Schumann’s academic research into remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar. By synthesizing complex technical requirements into a coherent manifesto, the text serves as a scholarly guide for policymakers and researchers. Upon its release, it was well-received within the geomatics community for providing a clear, evidence-based argument for the democratization of high-precision elevation data, influencing ongoing discussions regarding international data-sharing policies.