Module 3: Terrain Visualization

 

     This week's lesson concerned the various methods for visualizing terrain features. We specifically discussed hillshading, hypsometric tinting, and contours. The lab assignment for the week was to create a Land Cover map for Yellowstone National Park, provided above, with reasonable color symbology and supported by terrain visualization via a hillshade effect. I began by grouping the various successional stages of plants into a single category based on their species. These land cover types were then colored in various shades of green, blue, and brown to represent the plants, water, and bare earth they respectively represented. A multi-directional hillshade was created from a DEM and placed underneath the Land Cover layer. I chose the multi-directional hillshade due to the increased level of terrain detail it displays compared to a traditional hillshade. The transparency for the Land Cover layer was set to 37 percent so that the terrain features depicted by the hillshade effect would be easily visible without fading the Land Cover layer to the point of being unreconizable. The colors for the Land Cover symbology were adjusted so that they remained distinct and intuitive to the data displayed but were not jarring nor competing for dominance in the visual hierarchy.

     I have constantly been frustrated with the appearance and perceived quality of hillshade effects that I have utilized, as they always appear somewhat blurred. The multi-directional hillshade alleviates this concern due to its increased level of detail. I am elated to have learned this technique and look forward to implementing it in future products.