Radar Image
The radar image was obtained by the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission as part of its mission to map Earth's topography. The image is acquired by just one of SRTM's two antennas, and consequently it does not show topographic data but only the strength of the radar signal reflected from the ground. This signal, known as radar backscatter, provides insight into the nature of the surface, including its roughness, vegetation cover, and urbanization.

Radar Image with Color as Height
This image combines two types of data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. The image brightness corresponds to the strength of the radar signal reflected from the ground, while colors show the elevation as measured by SRTM. Changes in color signify changes in height.

Radar Image with Color Wrapped Fringes
This image combines two types of data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. The image brightness corresponds to the strength of the radar signal reflected from the ground, and while colors show the elevation as measured by SRTM. Each cycle of colors (from red through green back to red) represents an equal amount of elevation difference similar to contour lines on a standard topographic map.

Shaded Relief
The shaded relief image is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. A computer-generated artificial light source illuminates the elevation data to produce a pattern of light and shadows. Slopes facing the light appear bright, while those facing away are shaded. On flatter surfaces, the pattern of light and shadows can reveal subtle features in the terrain. Shaded relief maps are commonly used in applications such as geologic mapping and land use planning.

Perspective View with B/W Radar Image Overlaid
The three-dimensional perspective view is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. Image brightness corresponds to the strength of the radar signal reflected from the ground, and is overlain on the topography. This signal, known as radar backscatter, provides insight into the nature of the surface, including its roughness, vegetation cover, and urbanization.

Perspective View with Radar Image Overlaid, Color as Height
The three-dimensional perspective view is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. Image brightness corresponds to the strength of the radar signal reflected from the ground, and is overlain on the topography. The elevation is indicated by colors. Changes in color signify changes in elevation.

Perspective View of Shaded Relief, Color as Height
The shaded relief perspective view is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. A computer-generated artificial light source illuminates the elevation data to produce a pattern of light and shadows. Slopes facing the light appear bright, while those facing away are shaded. On flatter surfaces, the pattern of light and shadows can reveal subtle features in the terrain. Changes in color signify changes in height. Shaded relief maps are commonly used in applications such as geologic mapping and land use planning.

Perspective View with Landsat or other Image Overlaid
The three-dimensional perspective view is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. The image will show a Landsat, SPOT, Ikonos, or other false color image overlain on the topography.

Contour Map - B/W with Contour Lines
The contour map is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission. Contour mapping is the traditional method for graphically representing landforms of Earth. Contour lines follow paths of constant elevation and are closely spaced on steep slopes and widely spaced on relatively flat terrain.

Stereo Pair
Stereo images are generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission to create two differing perspectives of a single image, one perspective for each eye. Each point in the image is shifted slightly, depending on its elevation. The images allow the observer to view Earth's surface in its full three dimensions. Most people require a stereoscope to merge the images and perceive three dimensions.
Note: The stereo-pair images are reversed; that is to say, the "left-eye" image is on the right side of the pair. This is intentional. It is set up for cross-eyed viewing, as indicated on the image.

Anaglyph
The anaglyph is generated using topographic data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission to create two differing perspectives of a single image, one perspective for each eye. Each point in the image is shifted slightly, depending on its elevation. When viewed through special glasses, the result is a vertically exaggerated view of Earth's surface in its full three dimensions. Anaglyph glasses cover the left eye with a red filter and cover the right eye with a blue filter.

3D Glasses Direct is an online source for 3D glasses. They will even send you a free pair of paper 3D glasses when you send them a stamped self-addressed envelope.