When is vertical exaggeration of elevation typically applied?

Vertical exaggeration of elevation is primarily applied to enhance visual representation. This technique is used in the creation of 3D models and topographic maps, where it visually emphasizes elevation changes. By exaggerating vertical scale compared to horizontal scale, subtle features such as hills and valleys become more pronounced, making it easier for viewers to interpret the landscape. This can be particularly useful in presentations or educational materials where clarity of terrain features is important.

While accuracy in measurement is crucial in GIS, vertical exaggeration does not aim to enhance accuracy; rather, it modifies the visual perception of the terrain. Raster data processing and combining data sources are more technical aspects of GIS that do not directly tie to the concept of visual exaggeration, as they focus on data manipulation and integration rather than representation.