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Terrain Raster (SRTM) and (FABDEM)

The Terrain Raster (SRTM) and Terrain Raster (FABDEM) datasets in the CoRE Stack provide elevation data for terrain analysis. SRTM captures the Earth’s terrain surface for watershed, slope, and drainage studies, while FABDEM, derived from the Forest and Buildings removed Copernicus DEM, offers a more accurate bare-Earth representation by removing vegetation and built-up structures, enabling precise terrain, hydrology, and landform analysis.

About Dataset

The Terrain Raster (SRTM) and Terrain Raster (FABDEM) datasets are part of the CoRE Stack (Commoning for Resilience and Equality) — a community-driven digital public infrastructure supporting sustainable and data-informed landscape planning. The SRTM-based dataset provides a high-resolution digital elevation model (DEM) capturing variations in land elevation, supporting hydrological modeling, watershed delineation, slope and aspect mapping, drainage assessment, and land degradation studies. The FABDEM dataset (Forest And Buildings removed Copernicus DEM) offers a globally consistent bare-earth elevation model by removing vegetation and built-up features, enabling more accurate terrain characterization, hydrological modeling, flood risk assessment, and drainage analysis. Both datasets are harmonized and interoperable with other CoRE Stack geospatial layers and tools, guiding landscape action in over 200 villages across India in collaboration with 15+ civil society organizations.

Technical details and methodologies are available in the CoRE Stack Technical Manual: https://core-stack.org/core-stack-technical-manual-v2/

Purpose of Dataset

The Purpose Of The Terrain Raster (Srtm) And Terrain Raster (Fabdem) Datasets Is To Provide Accurate And Complementary Elevation Data For Terrain, Watershed, And Landscape Analysis Within The Core Stack. The Srtm Dataset Delivers Reliable Elevation Information To Support Hydrological Modeling, Drainage Mapping, Soil And Water Conservation, Infrastructure Planning, And Ecosystem Restoration. The Fabdem Dataset Offers A Refined Bare-earth Elevation Model By Removing Vegetation And Built Structures, Enabling Precise Hydrological Modeling, Flood Risk Assessment, Drainage Analysis, And Terrain-based Planning. Together, And In Integration With Other Core Stack Layers, These Datasets Enable Comprehensive, Data-driven Decision-making For Sustainable Land Management, Climate Resilience, And Ecosystem Restoration At Community And Regional Levels.