How does vertical exaggeration affect the interpretation of terrain?

Vertical exaggeration enhances elevation differences for better visualization, which is crucial in terrain analysis and interpretation. In many mapping and modeling scenarios, especially when visualizing three-dimensional landscapes, the differences in elevation can be subtle and difficult to see when rendered on a typical two-dimensional map or diagram. By applying vertical exaggeration, the vertical scale is increased relative to the horizontal scale, making hills, valleys, and other features more pronounced and easier to interpret.

This technique is particularly valuable in helping viewers understand the relative height and depth of terrain features, which can be critical for applications such as planning, environmental assessment, and geological studies. Enhancing these differences allows for a more intuitive understanding of the landscape, revealing patterns and features that might otherwise be overlooked in a less exaggerated representation.