What does a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) represent?

A Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is a three-dimensional representation of the ground surface that captures the terrain's elevation values at a variety of points. DTMs are often created from data collected through surveying techniques like LiDAR or photogrammetry, which allow for detailed modeling of the earth's surface, including hills, valleys, and other topographic features.

This representation is crucial in various fields, including civil engineering, environmental studies, and urban planning, as it aids in visualizing and analyzing the shape and variations of the terrain. Utilization of a DTM can assist in tasks such as flood modeling, land use planning, and infrastructure development, making the three-dimensional aspect fundamental to its purpose.

The other options do not accurately describe a DTM: a two-dimensional map would lack the three-dimensional detail and elevation data; a statistical analysis could include metrics derived from terrain data but would not provide a visual representation; and a simplified sketch would not retain the complexity or detail of the actual terrain captured in a DTM.