Open map List

Relief shading

Relief shading, also known as hillshading, is a cartographic technique used to create a 3D effect on a 2D map by simulating light and shadow on terrain features. It enhances the visualization of mountains, valleys, and other landforms, making elevation changes more intuitive for map readers.

Basic

Introduction

How Relief Shading Works:

  1. Simulated Light Source – Typically placed in the northwest (top-left), casting shadows on the southeast (bottom-right).
  2. Brightness & Shadows – Elevated areas facing the light source appear brighter, while slopes facing away appear darker.
  3. Gradient Effect – The shading smoothly transitions to represent gradual slopes and elevation changes.
  4. Digital Hillshading – Modern relief shading is created using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and GIS software like ArcGIS, QGIS, and Photoshop.

📍 Example: NASA’s shaded terrain maps use relief shading to highlight mountain ranges and valleys.

Examples

1. Topographic Maps with Relief Shading

🔹 USGS Topographic Maps (USA) – Uses shaded relief to highlight mountain ranges, valleys, and plateaus.
🔹 Swiss National Maps (Swisstopo) – Known for highly detailed hillshading that enhances Switzerland’s alpine landscapes.
🔹 Ordnance Survey Maps (UK) – Employs relief shading to depict the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, and other terrains.
🔹 Norwegian Mapping Authority – Provides shaded topographic maps of Norway’s fjords and mountainous regions.

📍 Example: A hiker uses a USGS shaded relief map to navigate the Rocky Mountains.

2. Digital Terrain Models with Relief Shading

🔹 NASA World Wind – Uses relief shading for global terrain visualization.
🔹 Google Earth & Google Maps Terrain View – Integrates hillshading with elevation data for realistic 3D terrain views.
🔹 Natural Earth Dataset – Provides relief shading for cartographers to create custom maps.
🔹 OpenStreetMap (OSM) with Hillshade Layer – Users can add hillshading to OSM-based maps for better elevation representation.

📍 Example: A researcher analyzes volcanic formations using Google Earth’s relief shading.

3. GIS & 3D Mapping Applications

🔹 ArcGIS & QGIS Hillshade Tools – GIS users generate relief shading from DEMs for spatial analysis.
🔹 Copernicus DEM (ESA) – Uses shaded relief to study terrain deformation and landscape changes.
🔹 WorldDEM (Airbus) – A global high-resolution digital elevation model with relief shading.
🔹 TanDEM-X DEM – Satellite-derived hillshading used for flood modeling and land-use planning.

📍 Example: A GIS analyst creates a relief-shaded flood risk map to identify low-lying areas.

4. Specialized & Thematic Maps with Relief Shading

🔹 Shaded Relief Maps of National Parks – Used in Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone maps.
🔹 Historical Maps with Hillshading – Old cartographic styles applied to mountainous regions for artistic effect.
🔹 3D Printed Terrain Models – Uses digital hillshading to enhance physical elevation models.
🔹 Ski Resort Maps – Relief shading enhances ski trail difficulty levels and terrain features.

📍 Example: A ski resort map of the Alps uses relief shading to highlight slopes and elevations.

Outgoing relations