A cartographic technique that provides an apparent three-dimensional rendering of the terrain, on maps and charts, by the use of graded shadows that would be cast by high ground if light were shining from the northwest.

A method used to display topographic variation in a landscape using the perspective shadowing resulting from a hypothetical position of a light source.

Shading added to an image that makes the image appear to have three-dimensional aspects. This type of enhancement is commonly done to satellite images and thematic maps utilizing digital topographic data to provide the appearance of terrain relief within the image.

The rendering of landforms by continuous graded tone to give the appearance of shadows thrown by a light source normally located above the northwest of the map.

Shaded relief (also known as hillshading) is a technique of terrain representation used by cartographers to convey an impression of a landform by employing light and dark shading to highlight topographic features. The use of illumination and shadow to produce an appearance of three-dimensional space on a flat-surfaced map closely parallels the artistic element of chiaroscuro.