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Hillshade in ArcGIS Pro

Introduction

Applying a Hillshade effect in ArcGIS Pro is quick, easy, and efficient to uses a raster function instead of a Geoprocessing tool.

Hillshades enhance the three-dimensional appearance of the Terrain by using patterns of light and shadow to create a 3D representation of the Surface. To create this effect, you can use Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data.

The Hillshade function has the following parameters:

Parameters

ParameterDescription
RasterThe input elevation dataset.
Hillshade TypeControls the illumination source for the hillshade: Traditional—Calculates hillshade from a single illumination direction, Multidirectional—Combines light from multiple sources to represent an enhanced visualization of the terrain.
AzimuthAzimuth is the sun’s relative position along the horizon (in degrees). This parameter is only valid when Hillshade Type is Traditional.
AltitudeAltitude is the sun’s angle of elevation above the horizon and ranges from 0 to 90 degrees. This parameter is only valid when Hillshade Type is Traditional.
ScalingThe shaded result is scaled dynamically by adjusting the z-factor using one of two options: None— This is ideal for a single raster dataset covering a local area, Adjusted—The Adjusted option is recommended when using a worldwide dataset.
Z FactorThe z-factor is a scaling factor used to convert the elevation values for two purposes: Convert the elevation units to the horizontal coordinate units of the dataset, which may be feet, meters, or degrees. Add vertical exaggeration for visual effect.
Pixel Size PowerPixel Size Power accounts for the altitude changes as the viewer zooms in and out on the map display. This parameter is only valid when the Scaling type is Adjusted.
Pixel Size FactorPixel Size Factor accounts for changes in scale as the viewer zooms in and out on the map display. This parameter is only valid when the Scaling type is Adjusted.
Disable default edge pixel interpolationUsing this option avoids any resampling artifacts that may occur along the edges of a raster.

Create Hillshade in ArcGIS Pro

In ArcGIS Pro, raster functions are accessed from the Analysis tab. To use a raster function to apply a hillshade effect, follow these simple steps below:

1. Open the Raster Functions pane.

2. Expand the Surface and select the Hillshade.

3. Set Raster to your DEM dataset.

4. Set Hillshade Type to Traditional or Multidirectional, as your project desired.

5. Set Scaling to None.

If you are making a map at a single map scale select None, or if you are making a multiscale map select Adjusted.

6. Set Z Factor to a higher number to exaggerate the height variation in the terrain.

7. Click the Create new layer button, to create a new layer in the current map.

Now ready to your hillshade map.

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