Contour mapping is the traditional method for graphically representing landforms of the 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 the Earth's surface in its full three dimensions.
Most people require a stereoscope to merge the images and perceive three dimensions.
This is intentional. It is set up for cross-eyed viewing, as indicated on the image. 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 the Earth's surface in its full three dimensions.