In one of our labs, we created 3D visualizations of a digital elevation model (DEM)

  downloaded from the USGS Map Viewer. The resolution of the DEM is 1/9 arc second

  (3m cell size) and is a GeoTIFF, the requisite file type to use in the map viewer. To

  create the maps, we used an open-source terrain viewer called 3DEM. I added

  a customized color scheme to make the map a little easier to view. 

 

  This animation represents a flyover of the area in a 3D view.

 

  The area in this animation is along the Hudson River just south of  Poughkeepsie, NY,

  as indicated by the red box on the following map. The satellite image provides some

  context to the terrain animation, as well as the approximate flight path. The big grey

  spot seen in the animation is a large quarry on the eastern banks of the River.

 

  Also check out these Terrain Maps of the same place.

 

 

 

 

  

   

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