The aim of this study is to analyze the accuracy of SRTM Ver 3.0 and ASTER GDEM Ver 2 over Korea. To enable this, accuracy analysis was performed by using precise DEM which was made with multiple aerial image matching and national base map benchmark. The result of this study identified both SRTM and ASTER have different features. The height of the SRTM was found to be higher (3.8 m on average) at lower elevation and lower (8.4 m on average) at higher elevation. In contrast, the ASTER was found to be lower than the actual height at both lower and higher elevation (2.92 m, 4.51 m on average). The cause of this height bias according to the elevation is due to the differences in data acquisition and processing methods of DEM. It was identified however that both SRTM and ASTER were within allowable limits of error. In addition, RMSE of the SRTM was smaller than the ASTER in comparison to benchmark, and also the bias trend both at higher and lower terrain were similar to the precise DEM which was made with multiple aerial image matching. Therefore, the reliability of SRTM can be considered to be higher.

Keywords: SRTM Ver 3.0;ASTER GDEM Ver 2;Digital Elevation Model (DEM);Image matching;Photogrammetry;Digital map benchmark;