Most Land Use Land Cover (LULC) maps are presented in flat 2D formats, which often limits how people perceive the relationship between land cover types and the underlying terrain. For this map, I wanted to explore a more dynamic and intuitive approach by creating a 3D LULC visualization.

I sourced the LULC data from the ESA Land Cover dataset, which I accessed and downloaded through Google Earth Engine. The data provided a broad yet detailed classification of land cover types across Ghana, including forests, urban areas, croplands, and water bodies.

Using QGIS, I styled the map with a distinct color palette for each land cover class to improve visual differentiation and interpretation. Once the styling was complete, I integrated it with elevation data and exported the layers to Blender to develop a full 3D scene.

In Blender, I added elevation-based extrusion to the terrain and placed the LULC layer on top to simulate how different land cover types follow the natural contours of the landscape. This helped highlight spatial relationships—like how agriculture tends to concentrate in flatter areas, or how urban development interacts with elevation.

The final result is a 3D LULC map that’s not only informative but also visually impactful. It gives a more tangible sense of how land is being used and transformed, making it easier for planners, researchers, and the public to engage with the data on a deeper level.