Terrain Modelling with ArcGIS Pro and Spatial Analyst

Module 1: Introduction to Terrain Surfaces and Raster Data

• Applications of terrain, elevation, and surface models

• Differences between digital terrain models and digital surface models

• Structure and properties of raster data

• Understanding cell size, spatial resolution, and value ranges

• Distinguishing continuous and discrete raster data

• Importance of accuracy, currency, and spatial coverage

• Selecting suitable datasets and data models for different tasks

Module 2: Managing Raster Data in ArcGIS Pro

• Opening, reviewing, and organising raster data

• Examining properties, statistics, and metadata

• Clipping, mosaicking, and converting rasters

• Aligning cell size, extent, and coordinate systems

• Identifying and managing NoData values

• Storing rasters in geodatabases or suitable file formats

• Managing pyramids, statistics, and display quality

• Selecting appropriate storage and data structures

Module 3: Visualising and Interpreting Raster Data

• Displaying elevation and measurement values with suitable colour schemes

• Using classified and stretched raster renderers

• Adjusting contrast, transparency, and brightness

• Applying elevation bands and hypsometric colouring

• Combining several raster layers

• Using raster functions for dynamic visualisation

• Assessing the meaning and possible misinterpretation of visual outputs

Module 4: Deriving Terrain Characteristics

• Calculating slope from an elevation model

• Displaying slope in degrees or percentages

• Determining aspect and terrain orientation

• Examining elevation differences and landforms

• Creating hillshades using different illumination directions

• Using multidirectional hillshade and combined relief displays

• Generating contours and other isolines

• Preparing terrain characteristics for further analysis

Module 5: Georeferencing Raster Data

• Identifying rasters with missing or unsuitable spatial references

• Selecting control points and suitable reference data

• Adding control points and applying transformations

• Assessing residual errors and spatial displacement

• Saving georeferencing information or permanently transforming data

• Aligning historical maps, plans, and imagery

• Reviewing and documenting the quality of the result

Module 6: Visibility Analysis

• Fundamentals of lines of sight and viewsheds

• Defining observer and target locations

• Identifying visible and hidden terrain areas

• Examining the effects of observer height, distance, and terrain form

• Comparing multiple observation locations

• Applying viewshed and line-of-sight analysis to planning and assessment

• Visualising and interpreting results clearly

Module 7: Volume and Earthwork Calculations

• Fundamentals of area and volume calculation from elevation models

• Defining reference surfaces and comparison levels

• Calculating cut-and-fill volumes

• Comparing different terrain surfaces

• Producing mass balances for construction, excavation, and planning tasks

• Assessing the influence of resolution and data quality

• Documenting calculations in a traceable manner

Module 8: Interpolation – Creating Surfaces from Points

• Fundamentals of spatial interpolation

• Requirements for suitable point and measurement data

• Assessing the distribution, density, and quality of sample points

• Selecting an appropriate interpolation method

• Comparing IDW, spline, and other approaches

• Creating surfaces from elevation, measurement, or observation values

• Validating results with samples and reference data

• Identifying uncertainty and interpolation artefacts