Create a map with 3D shading in Surfer

Three-dimensional shading uses light and shadow to simulate how surfaces would look under directional lighting. This technique leverages how our brains naturally interpret depth and form, making spatial relationships immediately obvious.

Why use color relief instead of 3D surface?

3D surface maps automatically create a map with a 3D appearance including a Z axis which has made them a go-to option for years. And if you're looking for a simple pseudo 3D model with one or two overlays, they can still be a great fit.  However, they do add complexity to maps requiring a lot of different layers from different sources. 

Color relief layers create a three-dimensional appearance on your maps without needing to deal with the limitations of 3D surface maps. This approach keeps your workflow simple while giving your maps a modern, professional look with realistic depth and dimension.

Color Relief Layers

• Retain clear and easy to read XY axes and scaling
• Combine easily with multiple map layers like contours, post maps, and base layers
• Work seamlessly with coordinate systems
• Maintain the crispness of vector overlays
• Can be viewed as a 3D map in the 3D view

3D Surface Layers

• Stretch all layers to fit the surface, obscuring the XY axes and scaling
• Require all overlays to use the same coordinate system
• Require blending of overlay lines & colors into a single raster image
• Can be viewed in 3D without opening the 3D view

While 3D surface maps offer a stronger 3D appearance, color relief layers are often the better choice for everyday mapping needs.

Add a color relief layer to your map

1. Select your Map in the Contents window.
2. Click Home | Add to Map | Layer | Color Relief, select your grid file and click Open.

Add transparency (optional)

If your map includes imagery or color fills, you will need to apply some transparency to those layers for the shading to show through.

3. Select the required layers in the Contents window.
4. Click the Layer tab in the Properties window.
5. Use the slider to adjust the Opacity until the shading appears as desired.

Adjust the colors (optional)

You may occasionally want to add shading without adding more colors to your map.

6. Select the Color Relief layer in the Contents window.
7. On the General tab of the Properties window, next to Color, click the (...) button to the right of Upper.
8. In the Colormap dialog, select GrayScale from the top of the Presets list in the Color Mapping section.
   1. If desired, select the left (black) color node on the color map and select a lighter color such as 50% black.
   2. Click OK.

Customize the lighting (optional)

9. Select the Color Relief layer in the Contents window.
10. On the General tab of the Properties window, adjust these settings to control the 3D appearance:
    Horizontal light angle defines the location and direction of the light source on the horizontal plane where zero places the light sources on the east side of the surface shining west and rotates counter clockwise.
    Vertical light angle defines the location and direction of the light source on the vertical plane where zero is the horizon and 90 is directly overhead.
    Z scale factor adjusts the Z scale relative to the XY scale.  Increasing this value enhances the shading effect.
    Ambient light intensity controls the overall brightness of the surface