Soil erosion topographic factor (LS): Accuracy calculated from different data sources

•Topographic data sources should be chosen based on accuracy requirement.•Topographic maps 1:50,000 are recommended when computation error of LS needs to be less than 10%.•30-m ASTER and SRTM DEMs are preferred when requesting computation error of LS under 25%.•90-m SRTM DEMs perform better in regions with low relief when there are noises on the DEMs surface.