Building a terrain map

Revisiting this map, I wanted to document the layers for future reference. With the layers documented and understood, this could then be automated in Python for use in future maps.

This second time through, I experimented with the colors a bit. The end result:

I was particularly happy with the mist effect in the mountains:

The initial prep involved downloading the relevant DEMs from NASA and stitching them together. The rest of the steps were done in ArcGIS Pro.

You can use the source DEM directly, but for this map I ran the Plan Oblique tool on it first to create an oblique DEM. From there, it’s all layering.

The layers that produced this terrain, from the bottom-up:

• Base: Style the base DEM with an elevation color scheme. In this case, I used Elevation #7.
• Warming color: Duplicate the DEM and style with a warming scheme, blending with Soft Light. Try Viridis or Plasma.
• Base traditional hillshade: Open Imagery > Raster Functions > Hillshade, Traditional, with all defaults, blended with Overlay. Overlay will blend the darks and the brights into the layers below.
• Multidirectional hillshade: Another hillshade layer, but using the multi-directional option, which is a little bit more like real life. It simulates light coming in from more directions, creating a richness. Blend with Multiply, which will bake the darks into the layers below.
• Low-light traditional hillshade: Another traditional hillshade, but with the angle set lower, to 25 degrees. This adds some depth. Blended with Soft Light, which will brighten underlying areas.
• DEM copy for lighting: A copy of the first DEM, dragged up over the hillshades we have so far to manipulate the light and shadow. This can be used to darken valleys and lighten peaks, like in real life. You can use a white to black color scheme inverted. Experiment and see if it’s needed. Blended with Soft Light.
• DEM copy for mist: This is layer and the next one are my favorites. This is another copy of the base DEM, with a white-to-white-to-yellow color ramp for the mist effect. The transparency is low and builds in a few stops. Push it around for the right effect for your terrain. No blending.
• Slope layer: Blue to yellow color scheme to add crispiness to the edges. Blend with Soft Light.