Abstract Digital Elevation Models (DEM) are useful for solving various problems in civil works planning, risk assessment, hazard prediction, and spatial modeling. This research evaluated the accuracy of DEM generation produced from images obtained from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in hovering mode (DEMf) and with eight Geodetic Control Points (DEMGCP), contrasted with the DEM generated from data from a Total Station - ST (DEMST) on the Bocanegra - Chachapoyas road, Peru. The photogrammetric images were processed with a spatial resolution of 50 cm. The mean, median, mode, mode, range, and standard deviation parameters were compared between DEMf, DEMGCP, and DEMST. In addition, statistical tests such as t-Student (α = 0.05) were applied for the difference of DEMs. The results showed a higher accuracy of the DEMGCP-derived vertical axis concerning DEMf with a combined error of 69.1 cm and an R2 of 0.999986; this is due to the use of GCPs to rectify the position on all axes of the generated DEM. Indeed, the use of UAVs is of great applicability in the generation of DEMs. They complement the data from a total station for the formulation, development, and implementation of civil works projects.