Plans for roads, motorways, railways and airports are based on maps and accurate large scale altimetric measurements produced by laser-scans and digital cameras. During the planning stage, DTMs can be used to study the environmental impact of new structures. During the construction stage, DGPS Systems mounted onto earth moving equipment can be used as a guide for accurate levelling.

DTMs are also essential for noise pollution studies carried out along road and rail corridors and close to airports. They are used in the planning of effective noise prevention barriers.

DTM/DSMs are used within the proximity of airports to localise and identify obstacles
(Obstruction Identification Surface)