What is a Hillshade Map?

3D Terrain Visualization Through Simulated Sunlight

A hillshade map transforms flat elevation data into an intuitive 3D visualization by simulating how sunlight falls across terrain. Ridges and peaks catch the light while valleys and depressions fall into shadow. The result is a grayscale image that makes topography immediately understandable, no specialized training required.

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A hillshade map revealing terrain features through simulated illumination.

How Hillshade Works

The algorithm places a virtual sun at a specific position in the sky, defined by two angles:

Azimuth (compass direction, typically 315° for northwest)
Altitude (height above horizon, typically 45°)

For each cell in the elevation model, it calculates the angle between the surface normal and the incoming light rays. Surfaces facing the sun render bright; surfaces facing away render dark; surfaces at oblique angles render in intermediate grays.

Why Hillshades Are So Effective

This simple calculation produces remarkably effective visualizations. Subtle features that are invisible in raw elevation numbers pop into view when illuminated from the side.

Ancient Features

Ancient field boundaries, archaeological sites, and historical structures become visible through subtle elevation changes.

Geological Structures

Fault lines, erosion patterns, and geological formations appear clearly when shadowed by virtual sunlight.

Human Intuition

The human visual system is extremely good at interpreting shaded relief, making hillshades one of the most powerful ways to communicate terrain.

Applications

Hillshade maps serve professionals across multiple disciplines:

Cartography

Cartographers use hillshades as base layers that give maps depth and context, making topographic information intuitive at a glance.

Geology

Geologists identify structural features and fault lines that would be invisible in raw elevation data or traditional contour maps.

Archaeology

Archaeologists have discovered countless sites, from Roman roads to medieval settlements, by examining hillshaded LiDAR data of forested areas.

Hillshades with LidarVisor

LidarVisor generates hillshade visualizations automatically from your DTM. View them draped over 3D terrain or export high-resolution images for use in reports, presentations, and GIS projects.

For reports and presentations, a well-rendered hillshade communicates terrain more effectively than any table of numbers.

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