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Surface Analysis Steps

This manual provides a step-by-step guide for surface analysis using ArcGIS 10.8, focusing on isolating elevation data and generating various surface maps. Key processes include data preparation, creating slope and aspect maps, generating hillshade for 3D effects, and producing contour lines for topographic mapping. Each step includes specific paths, inputs, and outputs to facilitate the analysis for studies such as landslide susceptibility and vegetation assessments.

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6 views2 pages

Surface Analysis Steps

This manual provides a step-by-step guide for surface analysis using ArcGIS 10.8, focusing on isolating elevation data and generating various surface maps. Key processes include data preparation, creating slope and aspect maps, generating hillshade for 3D effects, and producing contour lines for topographic mapping. Each step includes specific paths, inputs, and outputs to facilitate the analysis for studies such as landslide susceptibility and vegetation assessments.

Uploaded by

abrahamgmichael5
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Surface Analysis Step-by-Step Manual

(ArcGIS 10.8)

Step 1: Data Preparation (The Precision Cut)

Goal: Isolate elevation data to your specific study area boundary.

 Method: Extract by Mask


 Path: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Extraction >
Extract by Mask
 Input Raster: Large/Original DEM.
 Feature Mask Data: Your Study Area Shapefile.
 Output Raster: Study_Area_DEM.

Step 2: Surface Generation


1. Creating a Slope Map

Slope identifies the steepness at each cell of a raster surface.

 Path: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Surface > Slope.
 Input: Select your DEM.
 Output Measurement: Choose Degree (0 to 90) or Percent Rise (0 to infinity).
 Why use it? Essential for landslide susceptibility or construction suitability studies.

2. Creating an Aspect Map

Aspect identifies the compass direction that the downhill slope faces for each location.

 Path: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Surface > Aspect.
 Input: Select your DEM.
 The Result: The output is categorized by degrees (e.g., North is 0–22.5°, East is 67.5–
112.5°). Flat areas are assigned a value of -1.
 Why use it? Useful for vegetation studies (sun exposure) or calculating snowmelt
patterns.

3. Creating a Hillshade

Hillshade creates a 3D effect by simulating how the sun illuminates the terrain.

 Path: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Surface >


Hillshade.
 Azimuth: The angular direction of the sun (default is 315°/NW).
 Altitude: The angle of the sun above the horizon (default is 45°).
 Tip: For the best visual effect, place the Hillshade layer under your DEM in the Table of
Contents and set the DEM transparency to 50%.

4. Generating Contours

Contours are lines that connect points of equal elevation.

 Path: ArcToolbox > Spatial Analyst Tools > Surface > Contour.
 Contour Interval: Define the vertical distance between lines (e.g., 10, 20, or 100 units).
 Base Contour: Usually left at 0.
 Why use it? Standard for topographic mapping and identifying ridges or valleys.

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