What effect does applying base heights to an image have during the draping process?

Applying base heights to an image during the draping process is crucial for accurately aligning the image with the actual terrain heights. This technique ensures that the image is positioned correctly in three-dimensional space, taking into account the variations in elevation of the underlying terrain. When base heights are established, the draped image appears to follow the contours and features of the landscape, providing a more realistic visual representation.

This alignment is especially important in geographical analyses and visualization, as it allows for better interpretation of spatial relationships and enhances the usability of the data. When images are properly draped over terrain, users can see how different features coincide with actual landforms, which is beneficial for planning, analysis, and decision-making processes in various fields including urban planning, environmental management, and landscape architecture.