In Vektor.io, the terrain model can be represented in four different ways:
Terrain Tiff file
Photogrammetry models (OBJ or 3D-tiles)
Point cloud
Vektor.io default terrains
This guide focuses on the use of the Terrain Tiff file.
What is a Terrain Tiff?
A Terrain Tiff is a file format that contains elevation data in raster form. Each pixel has one elevation value, which together create a three-dimensional terrain model.
Note: A Terrain Tiff is not the same as an orthophoto Tiff.
A Terrain Tiff appears black and white in image editing software (see the left side of the lower image).
An orthophoto Tiff contains a photographic map image and cannot be converted into a Terrain Tiff.
Terrain Tiff with Maps in Vektor.io
The Terrain Tiff creates the base terrain surface. On top of it, different map layers can be added, such as:
Vektor.io default maps
WMS/WMTS background maps
Separate aerial imagery
The map image conforms to the surface shaped by the Terrain Tiff.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages
Well suited for visualizing terrain shapes and elevation.
Map layers can be flexibly edited and replaced.
Provides a 3D terrain surface onto which maps can be overlaid.
Limitations
Not suitable for representing complex objects (e.g., trees, buildings, lamp posts).
This is because in a raster-based Terrain Tiff, each pixel can only contain a single elevation value.
How to Use
Open the file tree in Vektor.io.
Activate the Terrain Tiff file.
Only one Terrain Tiff can be active at a time.
Summary
A Terrain Tiff defines the shape of the ground.
Various map layers can be placed on top of it, adapting to the terrain surface.
It is best used when illustrating terrain elevation and landform differences in combination with map data.