Multimedia in der Gebirgskartographie — 3D-Anwendungen aus dem “Atlas der Schweiz — interaktiv 2”

Summary

This article examines the conceptual, methodological, and technical integration of interactive three-dimensional cartography into the second edition of the Atlas of Switzerland—Interactive, particularly for representing mountain environments. To strengthen the connection between topography and thematic information, the atlas treats 2D maps as a special case of 3D representation and combines spatial, temporal, analytical, and interactive functions within a modular interface. The authors propose a systematic classification of visualization methods for digital elevation models and other 2.5D surfaces based on four criteria: spatial dependence (local or global), computational basis, color dimensionality, and additional parameters. Elementary visualization types can be specified, combined into complex methods, and implemented as reusable modules. Examples include hypsometry, slope, aspect, illumination, fog, visibility, distance, and image or thematic overlays. Users can activate and combine these modules, adjust parameters and transparency, switch between panorama and block views, and generate terrain profiles enriched with thematic data. Such combinations support the exploration of relationships among relief, vegetation, precipitation, radiation, and fog, while also enabling simplified simulations of avalanche hazards, permafrost occurrence, flooding, and summit visibility. The study concludes that modular 3D visualization provides substantial visual and cognitive benefits and establishes an extensible platform for geographic analysis. Because the classification applies to general 2.5D surfaces rather than elevation models alone, it can facilitate future modules for shadows, solar radiation, flow paths, rockfall, transportation, noise propagation, and GPS-based 3D routing.