How is a digital elevation model (DEM) typically defined?

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A digital elevation model (DEM) is primarily defined as a 3D representation of terrain elevation data. This type of model allows for the visualization of the Earth's surface in a three-dimensional format, which includes elevation information at various points across a specific area. DEMs are commonly used in geographic information systems (GIS) and serve as a foundational layer for various analyses, such as terrain analysis, flood modeling, and landscape visualization.

The structure of a DEM typically consists of a grid of elevation values where each cell represents a specific area, allowing for detailed analysis of topography. This capability makes it an essential tool for geospatial analysts and professionals working in fields related to geospatial intelligence, environmental assessments, and urban planning.

Given this context, the other options do not accurately describe what a DEM is or its primary function. A model representing urban structures focuses on anthropogenic features rather than topographical ones, a method for visualizing demographic data is unrelated to elevation, and a tool for data integrity verification pertains more to data validation processes than to the representation of terrain.

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