Reconstructing high-resolution DEMs from 3D terrain features using conditional generative adversarial networks

•High-resolution DEM reconstruction using CGANs and 3D terrain features.•Capability to produce high-resolution DEMs from lower-resolution data.•Detailed terrain representation with improved elevation accuracy.•Flexibility for various geographic applications and terrain types. High-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are essential for precise geographic analysis. However, obtaining high-resolution DEMs in regions with dense vegetation, complex terrain, or satellite imagery voids presents substantial challenges. This study introduces a deep learning approach using three-dimensional (3D) terrain features combined with Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGANs) to reconstruct DEMs. The 3D terrain features, such as valley and ridge lines, exhibit topographic relief patterns and provide constraints for CGANs to reconstruct DEMs. Experiments conducted in the Loess Plateau of Shaanxi confirmed the performance of the proposed method, demonstrating marked improvements in the accuracy of DEM reconstruction compared to models based on two-dimensional (2D) terrain features. The elevation accuracy of the reconstructed DEMs by the proposed method is 5.30 m, which is higher than that of the 2D terrain features method (18.90 m) by 71.96 %. Meanwhile, the proposed method shows a 15.78 % and 17.64 % improvement in elevation accuracy and slope accuracy, respectively, when reconstructing a 5 m high-resolution DEM from a 30 m low-resolution DEM. The proposed method can be flexibly used for reconstructing, repairing, and filling voids in DEM data.