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ArcGIS can move mountains

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About the map

The peaks of our world have been a wonder to human explorers throughout history. In the past few centuries, explorers flocked to these extreme heights with the champion of them being Mount Everest, the highest peak on our planet.

However, if you dive deeper, you may be surprised to learn that Mount Everest is not technically the tallest peak on Earth.  To visualise the comparison between the highest and the tallest peaks on Earth, we set out to displace Mount Everest by 12,000 km, moving it from Nepal to the depths of the Pacific Ocean.

Why it works

A key aspect of cartography is the use of scale to convey a key message. In this map, by comparing a recognisable mountain peak such as Mount Everest with Mauna Kea, the sheer extent of height is revealed when including Mauna Kea's base elevation below sea level.

Important Steps

  • 1.

    To compare Everest and Mauna Kea side by side, this required moving the input raster. To do this, I used the Georeferencing tool in the imagery tab of ArcGIS Pro.

  • 2.

    For the Mount Everest raster to not be draped over the elevation of Mauna Kea, I created a custom elevation layer for Everest. Using consistent vertical exaggeration, I created custom elevation for each iteration of the Everest layer.

  • 3.

    To ‘sink’ Everest, I had to manipulate the Z – value of the raster. I did this by subtracting a chosen depth from the input raster dimensions. Knowing the dataset unit of measurement was in meters, I was able to give it a fair representation.

  • 4.

    To produce an effective looking ocean profile, which visualises Everest sinking into, each layer was assigned a decreasing transparency. A similar process occurred with the sinking Everest layer.

  • 5.

    Capture key frames with bookmarks, and then import these frames to animation is an efficient way to show the layers moving.

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Requirements

  • Data and software

    I used ArcGIS Pro throughout this process. I used two key raster’s, downloaded from the GEBCO site. I downloaded key sites of Mount Everest, and Mauna Kea by inputting the coordinates of their location.

  • Analysis

    I used the Raster Calculator tool in ArcGIS Pro to manipulate the Z (depth) value of the imported Everest raster layer. I then used the Georeferencing toolbox to ‘relocate’ this raster layer from Nepal to Hawaii, using the highest point of Everest and Mauna Kea rasters as control points.

  • Time

    Adding raster data to ArcGIS Pro takes a matter of minutes. Georeferencing, although sometimes a little fiddly to get right, was a quick process in this case as the highest points were selected as control points. The most time intensive was the creation of the animation, I would recommend leaving lots of time to get the effect you want!

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Tips and tricks

  • ArcGIS moves mountains tip 1

    Pick your control points wisely!

    The selection of your control points determines how you compare your rasters

  • ArcGIS moves mountains tip 2

    Time for rendering an animation!

    Giving your animation time to render will help with the quality of your animation

  • ArcGIS moves mountains tip 3

    Keep track of exaggeration in your custom elevation surfaces

    Especially when comparing heights, this could skew your results. Consistency is key!

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Links & Resources

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Catherine Fitzsimons

Map Author

Catherine Fitzsimons (she/her)

I am currently working as a Graduate GIS Consultant on the programme by Esri UK. I enjoy wild swimming, city breaks and coffee!

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