Evaluating Shuttle radar and interpolated DEMs for slope gradient and soil erosion estimation in low relief terrain

► Patterns of slope gradient error in elevation models of low relief terrain are explored. ► Two types of digital elevation model at two grid resolutions are contrasted. ► Errors in hillslope erosion arising as a consequence of slope gradient errors are reported. ► Shuttle Radar has lower slope gradient and erosion errors than contour interpolated models.