What is the difference between Map Views, Profiles,
Cross Sections, and Block Models?
Map view: Intended to provide a representation of what a geographic
feature looks like from above.
Profile (usually called a Topographic
or Bathymetric Profile): A representation of the elevation of the land surface
(or bottom of the ocean, or any other surface) only. Not intended
to show subsurface features. Essentially a graph of elevation or
depth vs. horizontal distance.
(Map
view of profiles to left.)
Cross Section: A profile with the subsurface features shown as well:
Block Model: A combination of a Cross Section showing subsurface features
with an adjacent Map View showing surface features:
Examples: Profile:Just
the topography of the surface features is seen.
Cross Section:Notice
that the subsurface features have been added.
Block Model:Notice
that the map view is now visible.
(Map
view of profiles to left.)
Just
the topography of the surface features is seen.
Notice
that the subsurface features have been added.
Notice
that the map view is now visible.