DEM editing preprocessing requirements

To use the features available in the Focus DEM Editing window requires only a digital elevation model (DEM); that is, a raster channel in an updateable format. To use all of the features, however, and to produce the best possible DEM, the DEM file should contain additional information. In particular, if the DEM file was extracted from epipolar images, it is recommended that you use that imagery to help you with editing.

A DEM file created using PCI technology contains extra information that facilitates DEM editing, including a cutline-vector segment and file-level metadata.

If you want to edit a DEM that does not have any associated raw images, you can select images to associate and, subsequently, orthorectify, during your DEM-editing session. By doing so, you can preview the new orthorectified images created for use with the edited DEM. Previewing the new orthorectifed images can help you to assess the quality of the edits you made to your DEM.