X-Terrain Mapping
X-Terrain Mapping, often referred to as Terrain-X, is a digital analysis tool primarily used by applications such as onX Backcountry and onX Hunt. It analyzes terrain features to provide users with detailed insight into slope angles, slope aspects, elevation bands, and viewsheds. The purpose is to offer a clearer understanding of the landscape for strategic planning, navigation, and geographic analysis. This methodology builds on centuries of terrain mapping tradition, combining it with modern GIS technology.
Evolution of Terrain Mapping
Early Methods: Early topographic maps, often created by hand, used plane table surveying and hachures to represent terrain. These relied on field measurements and laid the groundwork for future mapping.
Advancements with Aerial Photography: The introduction of aerial imagery in the 20th century accelerated topographic mapping, increasing accuracy and efficiency.
Digital Mapping: Tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) advanced terrain mapping further, allowing for Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) and complex spatial analysis.
TanDEM-X: The German DLR’s TanDEM-X mission provides high-resolution elevation data to analyze terrain changes driven by natural processes and human activity.
OnX Terrain-X: The onX Terrain-X tool allows users to interactively examine terrain with analysis layers like slope, aspect, and elevation, specifically designed for outdoor and hunting applications.
Key Features and Tools
Slope Angle Analysis: Identifies terrain steepness to aid in route planning and hazard avoidance.
Slope Aspect Analysis: Indicates the compass direction a slope faces, useful for sun exposure and vegetation analysis.
Elevation Band Analysis: Highlights elevation change with color-coded bands to visualize topographic profiles.
Viewshed Analysis: Provides visibility from a specific point, helping users plan strategic observation or engagement locations.
Platform Usage
Terrain-X: A standalone module within onX Hunt that allows Elite members to access terrain visualization features.
Visualizations: Color-coded overlays indicate geographic intensity, assisting in the identification of benches, bedding areas, and feeding zones.
Access and Functionality
- Terrain-X is available on desktop web maps.
- Users can pan, zoom, rotate, and tilt the map for better exploration.
- Interface tools allow toggling slope, aspect, and elevation overlays.
- Custom waypoints can be added to track areas of interest and review data.
Benefits
Improved Planning: Users gain terrain awareness to better coordinate movement and activity.
Enhanced Scouting: Offers unique terrain insights to support accurate location targeting.
Targeted Analysis: Identifies specific environmental features matching user-defined needs, including slope shelter, sun angle, and elevation proximity.
X-Terrain Mapping enhances strategic planning by blending traditional mapping principles with modern geospatial technology for elite terrain interpretation.
