---
title: "Elevation Profile Tool"
slug: "elevation-tool"
updated: 2026-10-21T04:39:11Z
published: 2026-10-21T04:39:11Z
canonical: "docs.metromap.com.au/elevation-tool"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.metromap.com.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Elevation Profile Tool

## Overview

The **MetroMap Elevation Profile Tool** allows users to draw a line or polyline in the MapViewer to generate a dynamic profile of a sites elevation. A graph presents the results of both the **Digital Terrain Model (DTM)** and **Digital Surface Model (DSM)** providing a comprehensive understanding of the changing terrain and surface elevations above sea level. This tool helps with **planning, slope analysis, design, and risk assessment**.

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## Key Features

| Feature | Description |
| --- | --- |
| **Interactive Profile Viewer** | Draw a line or polyline on the map to generate a dynamic elevation profile graph. |
| **Dual Model Display** | Displays terrain elevation (DTM) and surface height (DSM) simultaneously for direct comparison. Toggle elevation layers on/off for individual analysis |
| **Graph–Map Synchronisation** | Hover over the elevation graph to highlight the corresponding location in the aerial image and show live coordinates and elevation values. |
| **Polyline Breakpoints** | Breakpoints appear at each vertex of a multi-segment path to show elevation changes between segments. |

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## How to Use

1. **Enable the tool** by clicking its icon at the bottom of the MapViewer toolbar.
2. **Draw a path** using single left-clicks for each point. Double left-click to finish.
3. The elevation profile will display DSM and DTM curves.
4. **Hover over the graph** to see the corresponding point on the map with exact values.
5. **Disable/enable** an elevation type, click DTM or DSM in the graph.

![Elevation_tool_gif](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/Elevation_tool_gif.gif)

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## Editing & Exporting

- **Edit paths** by moving vertices — the profile updates instantly. ![Editing elevation path](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/ElevationTool_2.png)
- **Profile an entire site** with multiple breakpoints. ![elevation_break_points](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/elevation_break_points.png)
- **Export profiles** by right-clicking the graph and selecting *Copy Image*. ![Copy elevation graph](https://cdn.document360.io/64eb4fa4-1b3d-47a1-871b-be0277fc940e/Images/Documentation/ElevationTool_4.png)

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## Technical Details

| Aspect | Details |
| --- | --- |
| **Coverage** | DTM: Full coverage across MetroMap’s regular capture plan areas. DSM: Broad coverage, mostly capital metro areas. |
| **Vertical Accuracy** | DTM: ~100 cm RMSE on hard surfaces. DSM: ~50–100 cm RMSE on hard surfaces. |
| **Resolution** | DTM: 3–5 m. DSM: 25 cm. |
| **Datum** | Australian Height Datum (AHD). |
| **Update Frequency** | Annual |

## Common Questions

#### Can I compare elevation profiles over time?

Currently, the tool supports only the latest elevation dataset per location.

#### Can I export the elevation data?

While direct export isn’t supported, you can capture screenshots or use browser tools to save the graph and map view for reports and other use cases.

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Need help? Raise a support ticket via our [Support Portal](https://aerometrex.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portal/5).