GIS 5395 - Lab 7 - TINs and DEMs

This week's lab had us learn about the differences between TINs (Triangular Irregular Networks) and DEMs (Digital Elevation Models).  A TIN is a "vector version of a 3D surface).  DEMs are rasters that describe elevation.  We used both ArcMap and ArcScene to view and modify TINs and DEMs in the various lab exercises.  We learned how to modify vertical exaggeration, use lighting or illumination to display the image more clearly.  In ArcMap and ArcScene you can alter the symbology of a TIN to display the slope, aspect, nodes, and elevation of the TIN.  A DEM raster would require us to use tools to create a slope and aspect rasters.  We also compared the contour lines of DEMs versus TINs for a particular study area.  Depending on your application a TIN may be more useful than a DEM if your study area is narrower and more detail is needed.  Below is a screen capture of a TIN with nodes, edges, and contour lines.

TIN Symbology

I enjoyed learning how to create, edit, and change the symbology of a TIN.  I have a better understanding of how TINs and DEMs are different.