LiDAR guide · an IPR project
Frequently asked questions
- Is the data free?
- Yes. It is DGT open data; you only need a free account at the Data Centre. DGT states a CC BY 4.0 licence: you may use it, including commercially, if you credit the source.
- What resolution does the terrain model have?
- 50 cm and 2 m. There is also a surface model (with trees and buildings) at the same resolutions, and the point cloud in LAZ.
- When was it flown?
- Between April 2024 and March 2025. Each file name carries the month and year in which that tile was flown.
- Does my area have data yet?
- About 90% of the mainland does; the north-west is still in production. The Azores and Madeira are not included.
- What is the difference between DTM and DSM?
- The DTM is the ground without vegetation or buildings. The DSM is the surface with everything on it. The difference gives the height of trees and buildings.
- Can I use it for permits or cadastre?
- It does not replace a certified topographic survey. Use it to study, plan and decide; for submissions with defined tolerances, use a surveyor.
- Do I need paid software?
- No. QGIS is free and has everything needed; the DGT CDD Downloader plugin handles the downloads.
- Will my computer cope?
- A property of a few hundred hectares at 50 cm, yes. For very large areas, use the 2 m DTM.