Question

The following model represents terrain variation more efficiently with fewer data points:

• A. Digital Elevation Model
• B. Digital Surface Model
• C. Triangulated Irregular Network
• D. Raster data model

Hint:

Remember: \[ \boxed{ \text{TIN} \rightarrow \text{Variable Resolution} \rightarrow \text{Less Storage} \rightarrow \text{Better Terrain Representation} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:

A Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) is a vector-based surface model that represents terrain using irregularly spaced points connected by non-overlapping triangles.

Unlike raster models, TIN stores more points where the terrain changes rapidly and fewer points where the terrain is relatively flat.

Step 1: Understand TIN representation.

TIN is constructed using:

• Elevation points
• Break lines
• Delaunay triangles

The triangles vary in size depending on terrain complexity.

Step 2: Compare with raster models.

\[ \begin{array}{c|c} \textbf{Raster DEM} & \textbf{TIN} \\ \hline \text{Uniform grid cells} & \text{Irregular triangles} \\ \text{Large storage} & \text{Efficient storage} \\ \text{Same resolution everywhere} & \text{Variable resolution} \end{array} \]

Since TIN concentrates data only where needed, it represents terrain efficiently using fewer data points.

Therefore, the correct option is (C).