z-factor

Question

Hi, I'm relatively new to GIS and I'm attempting to calculate the slope from a DEM raster of the Adirondack Park. NAD_1983_UTM_Zone_18N Meter (1.000000) Degree (0.017453292519943295) I'm having trouble understanding how to determine if I need to change the z-factor from the default "1" and then which z-factor to use if one is needed. Can anyone lend a hand?

Luke_Pinner · Answer

If your Z units are in metres, then yes - http://resources.arcgis.com/en/help/main/10.1/index.html#//009t00000056000000

NoahHuntington · Answer

Your linear units (XY) are metres. You do not need to change the Z factor as your elevation values should also be in metres. If for some reason your elevation values are in feet, you would use a z-factor of 0.3048 to convert your elevation from feet to meters (1 foot = 0.3048 meters).

Ignore below (It's only relevant if your linear units are in degrees).

See this thread: Z factor in slope tool and these articles: Setting the Z Factor parameter correctly and Determining a Z-factor for scaling linear elevation units to match geographic coordinate values.

If my  x y units are feet do I use the inverse for a z factor of 3.2808?

Luke_Pinner · Answer

Your linear units (XY) are metres. You do not need to change the Z factor as your elevation values should also be in metres. If for some reason your elevation values are in feet, you would use a z-factor of 0.3048 to convert your elevation from feet to meters (1 foot = 0.3048 meters).

Ignore below (It's only relevant if your linear units are in degrees).

See this thread: Z factor in slope tool and these articles: Setting the Z Factor parameter correctly and Determining a Z-factor for scaling linear elevation units to match geographic coordinate values.