<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Despite numerous theoretical and experimental studies of analytical relief shading, devised about half a century ago, its quality has not yet reached the excellence of traditional (manual) shading. The paper discusses its basic principles and the main factors affecting the quality of shading. It also stresses the crucial importance of the digital terrain model used as the basis for shading as well as the proper generalization of the relief. Experiments with shading modules of ArcGIS and Surfer, aiming to explore the functionality of algorithms they employ, have demonstrated significant similarity of the results. In conclusion, the authors attempt to answer the question posted in the title of the article. In their view, analytical shading is not art because shading algorithms are incapable of producing the visually beautiful effects that an experienced cartographer with artistic talents can create.</p></abstract>

Despite numerous theoretical and experimental studies of analytical relief shading, devised about half a century ago, its quality has not yet reached the excellence of traditional (manual) shading. The paper discusses its basic principles and the main factors affecting the quality of shading. It also stresses the crucial importance of the digital terrain model used as the basis for shading as well as the proper generalization of the relief. Experiments with shading modules of ArcGIS and Surfer, aiming to explore the functionality of algorithms they employ, have demonstrated significant similarity of the results. In conclusion, the authors attempt to answer the question posted in the title of the article. In their view, analytical shading is not art because shading algorithms are incapable of producing the visually beautiful effects that an experienced cartographer with artistic talents can create.

Can analytical shading be art?

Department of Geoinformatics, Cartography and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Warsaw

Polish Cartographical Review

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Reflections on the canvas of experiments with ArcGIS and Surfer

Despite numerous theoretical and experimental studies of analytical relief shading, devised about half a century ago, its quality has not yet reached the...

Can analytical shading be art?

Published Online: Jan 22, 2016

Page range: 121 - 135

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/pcr-2015-0010

Keywords
digital terrain model, analytical shading, art in cartography, GIS programs

© 2015 Jerzy Siwek et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Can analytical shading be art?

Published Online: Jan 22, 2016

Page range: 121 - 135

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/pcr-2015-0010

Keywordsdigital terrain model, analytical shading, art in cartography, GIS programs

© 2015 Jerzy Siwek et al., published by De Gruyter Open

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 3.0 License.

Keywords
digital terrain model, analytical shading, art in cartography, GIS programs