Multidimensional Hillshade Maps

I'm excited to showcase multidimensional hillshade maps for Albany, Schenectady, and Troy. This project apply a terrain-like effect to non-elevation data to create a compelling visualization of urban and natural landscapes.

Using USGS satellite imagery from September 2024, I focused on surface reflectance, which measures the amount of light reflected by different surfaces. I processed this data in QGIS to highlight key features:

• Low-reflectance areas, such as dense urban centers and asphalt, are rendered in darker tones with a raised, elevated appearance.

• High-reflectance areas, like dense vegetation and open fields, are represented in brighter tones with a flatter, smoother look.

To achieve this unique effect, I manipulated the symbology properties within QGIS. I altered the band composite of the satellite imagery and then used the "multiply" blending mode to combine the reflectance data with a simulated hillshade layer. This technique creates the illusion of terrain based on the density and reflectance of the surfaces