Understanding elevation views (DEM, contours, satellite)

Switch between Digital Elevation Model, contour lines, and satellite views on your site map.

Written by Raymond Fuorry
March 31, 2026

TraceAir offers several map view layers that help you understand your site's terrain and conditions. This article explains the Digital Elevation Model (DEM), contour lines, and satellite view.

Digital Elevation Model (DEM)

The DEM view shows a color-gradient visualization of the site's elevation data. Higher elevations appear in warmer colors, lower elevations in cooler colors. DEM is useful for understanding terrain characteristics and making visual observations about the site surface.

Availability: Available on all scan tiers.

Contour lines

Contour lines show elevation intervals on the site map. The default interval is 5-foot contours. You can request contour increments as low as 1 foot by contacting your TraceAir Customer Success Specialist via email, phone, or Intercom message. Contour files can also be exported as DXF files through a file request.

Availability: Available on all scan tiers.

Satellite view

Satellite View is provided via OpenStreetMap. The update frequency depends on OpenStreetMap's data refresh cycle and may not always show the most current imagery. It is useful for general reference and orientation.

Availability: Available on all scan tiers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change the contour line interval?

Yes. The default interval is 5-foot contours. You can request intervals as low as 1 foot by contacting your Customer Success specialist. Contour files can also be exported as DXF files through a file request.

How current is the satellite view imagery?

The satellite view is provided via OpenStreetMap. The update frequency depends on OpenStreetMap's data refresh cycle and may not always show the most current imagery.