PROBLEM

Values for hillshade or slope are incorrect when using digital elevation model (DEM) in a geographic projection

Last Published: October 2, 2023

Description

When calculating a slope, the output values for the resulting raster are incorrect. The values are usually much greater than expected.

Cause

When ArcGIS calculates a slope or a hillshade, the x and y units (horizontal) are presumed to be the same as the z units (vertical). This causes problems because the linear distance of a degree of latitude varies.

Solution or Workaround

  • For data that must be maintained in a geographic coordinate system, follow the steps in this article, How To: Create a hillshade or slope using data in Geographic coordinates.
  • For data that does not need to be maintained in a geographic coordinate system, project the data to a coordinate system that does not use decimal degrees or degrees minutes seconds for the x,y units of measure. Go to: ArcToolbox > Data Management Tools > Projections and Transformations > Raster > Project Raster.

Article ID: 000008625

Software:
  • ArcMap

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