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Effects of DEM resolution on GIS-based solar radiation model output: A comparison with the National Solar Radiation Database

Thompson, Grant
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1258663688

Abstract Details

2009, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Geography.
Solar radiation is a driving force in numerous processes on Earth. Several solar radiation models have been created to increase the areal coverage of solar radiation data. This research compares a satellite—derived solar radiation model within the National Solar Radiation Database (NSRDB), to a GIS-based solar radiation model. This is a black-box approach that compares solar radiation model output only, internal processes and equations are not under investigation. The NSRDB is nationally available and covers 1,454 sites within the United States. The NSRDB can be used as a preliminary source of solar radiation estimates. Varying resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) are used to determine what resolution will yield GIS-based model values that are most similar to the NSRDB. Root mean square error (RMSE) and Mean bias error (MBE) are used to compare the values of these two models. A detailed investigation of the spatial variability of the RMSE and MBE at NSRDB sites located within the study area may reveal potential sources of divergence between the two models. The comparison revealed that higher resolution DEMs did not produce solar radiation values that were closer to the NSRDB. 90 meter resolution DEM input was found to generate values closest to the NSRDB.
Lin Liu, PhD (Committee Chair)
Kevin Raleigh, PhD (Committee Member)
Howard Stafford, PhD (Committee Member)
51 p.
Geography
Solar radiation models; Digital Elevation Model; Root mean square error; Mean bias error; National Solar Radiation Database; GIS

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Thompson, G. (2009). Effects of DEM resolution on GIS-based solar radiation model output: A comparison with the National Solar Radiation Database [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1258663688

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Thompson, Grant. Effects of DEM resolution on GIS-based solar radiation model output: A comparison with the National Solar Radiation Database. 2009. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1258663688.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Thompson, Grant. "Effects of DEM resolution on GIS-based solar radiation model output: A comparison with the National Solar Radiation Database." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2009. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1258663688

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1258663688
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© 2009, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.