CT ECO Basic Data Guide

Hillshade 2000

Example of Hillshade Map

Description

Hillshade 2000 generates the appearance of a three-dimensional representation of terrain by placing shadows cast on high ground as if sunlight is shining from the northwestern direction. As a result, the northwestern side of elevated areas is intentionally lighter in color than the southeastern side. Relatively flat areas are not shadowed and appear smooth, whereas steeper slopes appear rough with the southeastern side appearing darker in color. This hillshade information for Connecticut was obtained from the University of Connecticut, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR). CLEAR derived this information from point elevation data for Connecticut that was captured in 2000 using Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology.

Purpose

This information is used to represent the general shape of landforms such as hills, valleys and ridges and is useful in cartographically illustrating geomorphic patterns, hydrologic (stream) networks, drainage patterns, etc. This hillshade information is best used for regional analysis and not intended for use at detailed scales or to determine the exact elevation at a particular location.

Use Limitations

This information may be incorrect in some areas due to gaps in the underlying point elevation LiDAR data used to generate the hillshade effect. When displayed at a detailed map scale, the hillshade will appear discontinuous in areas where information is incorrect, and linear breaks in the hillshade become apparent in areas where there are errors in the underlying elevation data. Due to these anomalies and inconsistencies, use caution when viewing and analyzing this informaiton.

Also, the location and shape of features in other GIS data may not exactly match the elevation suggested by the hillshade primarily due to differences in spatial accuracy and data collection dates. For example, a stream in the 1:24,000-scale Connecticut Hydrography data from CT DEEP may not line up exactly with the inferred stream bank suggested by the hillshade information. Their location and shape are bound to be different because information such as hydrography compiled from older 1:24,000-scale USGS topographic quadrangle maps, lacks the spatial accuracy of and is less current than the elevation data captured in 2000.

Dataset Information

State coverage of Hillshade data
  • Status - Covers the State of Connecticut.
  • Date of Data - 2000
  • Map Scale and Accuracy - Unknown. Recommended for small scale use only.

Additional Documentation

  • Hillshade 2000 GIS Metadata - Contains technical documentation describing the hillshade data and the data sources, process steps, and standards used to develop and store this information in a geographic information system (GIS).

Originators

GIS Data Download

  • Connect GIS and AutoCAD software to this information online using the Elevation and Bathymetry CT ECO Map Service.