2D and 3D Topographic Maps
The creation of 2D and 3D topographic maps utilizes ArcGIS as a toolset. A 2D topographic map is created using x and y coordinate points. Meanwhile, three-dimensional (3D) relief modeling of the Earth's surface is a modeling that resembles the actual conditions in the field, then visualized with the assistance of computer graphics. To create a 3D topographic map, x and y coordinate data are needed, as well as z data representing elevation points.
The creation of topographic maps begins with the generation of a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) using Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) data obtained from contour and spot height (SH) data.
Based on the image above, it can be observed that the creation of the 2D map does not display elevation variations for each feature. Elevation variations are only depicted through major and minor contour lines. This is because there is no creation of DTM from TIN data in the process of making this 2D map. Meanwhile, in the creation of the 3D map, elevation variations for each feature with elevation data can be clearly seen. For example, buildings appear more prominent compared to other surrounding buildings, and ditches appear slightly deeper compared to other features. This is due to the inclusion of DTM in the creation of this 3D map.