Module 3: Terrain Visualization

In this week's lab, I experimented with different methods to visualize terrain, with emphasis on contours and hillshading of DEMs. I used hillshade to support the visualization of landcover in Yellowstone National Park. For this map, I created a multidirectional hillshade from a DEM of the area. Multidirectional hillshade uses multiple imaginary light sources for all sides of the map so that all the terrain receives sufficient shading. This type of hillshade shows relative relief better on a map. For the land cover types, I combined types that were the same, e.g. three types of Douglas Fir,  several types of Lodgepole Pine, and several types of Whitebark Pine, respectively. I created a custom symbology for the land cover types to create visual contrast so that each type could be clearly seen and distinguished on the map. I placed the hillshade under the landcover layer and changed the transparency of the landcover to 50% so that the terrain could be visualized. The rest of the required map elements were placed to conform with the map design principles to create legibility and balance. 

  

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