AHN: visualizations based on elevation data

GlennHeeres1

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We regularly receive questions about the visualizations of the AHN (the elevation map of the Netherlands), with the most frequently asked question being how the different visualizations are created. For this, we use so-called raster functions, which can be made in ArcGIS Pro<\/SPAN>. There is a whole list of raster functions standard (in the 'Imagery' ribbon) available to apply to raster images:<\/SPAN><\/P><\/P> <\/SPAN> <\/SPAN><\/P><\/P>We have been offering for some time now for the AHN services<\/A> <\/SPAN>a number of color variations and additional raster functions such as Aspect, Hillshade, Shaded Relief and Slope<\/SPAN>. Additionally, we have recently also added Contour and Multidirectional Hillshade. The contour function gives a feeling as if contour lines have been made from the AHN, but in fact this is done on-the-fly from the source rasters, without us having made or stored a separate contour layer. So we have only stored the data once, on which the different visualizations are then applied.<\/SPAN><\/P><\/P><\/SPAN><\/P><\/P>For the new multidirectional hillshade, lighting is simulated from multiple directions, making relief visible from all sides. With the regular hillshade raster function, this is done from only one side, causing much relief to not be clearly visible. The new map layer is extremely suitable for showing extra elevation differences in a base map by combining layers and playing with transparency. Below I have placed some screenshots of the new visualizations to inspire what images you can create with it.<\/SPAN><\/P> <\/SPAN> <\/SPAN><\/P><\/SPAN><\/P>Location: Spinder landfill<\/SPAN><\/P><\/P><\/SPAN><\/P>Location: ENCI quarry<\/SPAN><\/P><\/P>1. Base map                                     2. Multidirectional Hillshade             3. Combination of both<\/EM><\/P><\/SPAN><\/P>Effect of adding Multidirectional Hillshade over a base map with transparency (in this case 80%)<\/EM><\/P>Location: Amersfoort marshalling yard<\/SPAN><\/P><\/P>Hopefully these visualizations show that a lot is possible with the services of the AHN. I would like to invite you to view the visualizations of the AHN yourself. If you would like to view the Multidirectional Hillshade, click here for the terrain surface<\/