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Generate a Canopy Height Model (CHM) from DSM and DTM in QGIS

QGIStutorialCHMdrone mappingLiDARPython

A Canopy Height Model (CHM) tells you the height of objects above the bare ground at every pixel. It’s one of the most useful outputs of a drone survey — once you have a CHM, you can classify vegetation by height, extract tree heights for individual features, and generate classified maps for client reports.

What it does

The generate_chm.py script subtracts the DTM (bare earth elevation) from the DSM (surface elevation including trees and structures). The result at each pixel is the height of whatever is there above the ground.

If the DSM and DTM have different spatial resolutions (common when they come from different processing runs), the script automatically resamples the DTM to match the DSM grid before subtraction. Negative values from noise or misalignment are clamped to zero.

Output: {dtm_name}_chm.tif saved in the DTM directory, added to your QGIS project.

What you need

  • QGIS 3.28 or newer
  • numpy, rasterio (bundled with QGIS)
  • A DSM raster with “dsm” in the layer name, checked in the Layers panel
  • A DTM raster with “dtm” in the layer name, checked in the Layers panel
  • The generate_chm.py script from the Terrain Analysis Pack

Steps

  1. Load your DSM and DTM rasters into QGIS. The layer names must contain dsm and dtm respectively.
  2. Check (tick) both layers in the Layers panel.
  3. Open Plugins → Python Console → Show Editor.
  4. Paste the script and click Run.

The CHM is saved in the DTM directory and loaded into your QGIS project.

What to do with the CHM

Once you have a CHM, you can:

  • Style it — use style_chm.py to apply classified height bands and export a map JPEG (see the CHM styling tutorial)
  • Extract tree heights — use tree_heights_from_dsm_dtm.py to add a height field to individual tree polygons
  • Generate a canopy mask — use generate_canopy_mask.py to separate canopy from ground

Typical CHM values in plantation surveys

In a mature plantation:

  • 0–1 m: ground cover, low shrubs
  • 1–5 m: young trees or understorey
  • 5–15 m: mid-canopy trees
  • 15 m+: tall canopy in well-established estates

Get the script

generate_chm.py is part of the Terrain Analysis Pack — five terrain analysis scripts for QGIS at $35 USD.

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