On to Assessing the Surface using TINs and DEMs!

For this week's lab, we did a series of exercises goaled toward getting us familiar with using TIN and DEM files. TINs are useful for creating DEMs, especially in specialized cases. For example, we created DEMs focused on aspect, slope, and elevation using the TIN files for 3D analyzing. We created a ski slope, and then used symbology options such as the surface classification, slope distinction, edge and contour lines. Although there is more detail overall in a TIN file, it seems best to use this type of file to create DEM files, which are going to take exact measurements into account and blend the features for a more aesthetic and useful symbology for interpretation and analysis. 

For the TIN file, the file is triangulated with rough edges between depictions of change in the elevation, as seen in this screen shot:

The DEM displays gradual, blended changes as the elevation and terrain changes, following along more smoothly by using defined aspects, slopes, and/or elevations for the result, as seen in this screen shot:

This has been great practice for assessing the surface. We use a lot of remote sensing at my GIS student internship for the water management district, and have to assess surfaces and land types as part of our every day tasks. This assignment was familiar, but also helped me to expand my thinking and build on my experience when dealing with elevations, slopes, contours with classifications and other scenarios. 

Two more weeks left for this course, and one more lab focused on the 'surface' coming soon!