What is the spatial extent at which DEMs are delivered?

Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are commonly delivered at a spatial extent that corresponds to the resolution and detail provided by United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps. The option that indicates a scale of 1:24000 aligns with the standard for many USGS topographic maps, representing a level of detail that is appropriate for numerous applications, including topographic analysis, urban planning, and natural resource management.

At this scale, one inch on the map represents 24000 inches in the real world, which allows for a comparatively high level of detail and accuracy in representing the terrain. This resolution is particularly useful for capturing variations in elevation and for supporting various analyses within Geographic Information Systems. The other options present larger and smaller scales that either reduce the detail (1:50000) or increase the complexity (1:10000, 1:15000) that may not be the norm for DEM deliveries. Thus, 1:24000 is widely recognized as a standard for DEMs linked to USGS mapping products.