Raster Analysis
Surface Generation
The Hillshade model was then created from the DEM dataset using stretched symbology. While the Aspect model was created using the DEM dataset and classified with 10 classes using Aspect colour ramp, Nearest Neighbour classification and transparency at 35%.
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The Slope model was derived from the DEM dataset and classified to 9 classes using the Slope colour ramp and resampled to Bilinear Interpolation with a transparency of 35%.
Purpose - To create four grid surface models from tabulated point data and to determine the areas of highest solar radiation.
Method - A standalone table named, Peninsula was converted to display X, Y data and named Peninsula Points feature class. Using the Select by Attributes tool a new feature class was created and named Crane Glacier from the Antarctica shapefile.
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Peninsula Points feature class was clipped from the Crane Glacier study area and saved as Crane Points feature class. This feature class was then interpolated, using the IDW tool and named, IDW1.
This dataset was then masked to the Crane Glacier study area feature class and named, IDW2. The expression Con(IsNull("IDW2"), FocalStatistics("IDW2",
NbrRectangle(5,5, "CELL"), "MEAN"), "IDW2") was input into the Raster Calculator to fill in the missing cell values and named, DEM.
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The symbology was changed to Stretch with Partial Spectrum 1 Diverging, blue to brown color ramp and resampled to Bilinear Interpolation for continuous data; with contrast at 50% and transparency at 35%, for the DEM dataset.
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The final Solar Radiation output model was created with the Area Solar Radiation tool, using a duration of six months from January 1, 2016 to July 1, 2016. The model was symbolized using five classes with slope colour ramp and 35% transparency, combined with the Hillshade layer.
Next, the data was reclassified by deleting the middle 3 classes, leaving the layer with two classes and renaming as Low in green and High in red colour; with a 35% transparency, combined with Hillshade layer.
The Aspect model was reclassified by selecting the compass orientations that fit within the Solar Analysis output. Keeping NW, N, NE and E with unique colours and SE, S, SW and W with no colour.
By reclassifying the Solar Radiation layer into 2 classes of High Radiation (shown in red) & Low Radiation (in green), we can view on the map where the highest levels of solar radiation existed on the Crane Glacier. As well, by analyzing the Slope & Aspect surfaces as individual overlays to the Solar Radiation layer we can see that the highest level of radiation occurred within gentle slopes and oriented to the NW, N, NE and E of the compass direction.
Ice accumulated in the valleys of the glacier shown in lime green, while the higher elevations (dark green) was snow covered. The red areas are barren and not snow covered, and this would lead to the highest amount of radiation, as the radiation would be absorbed into the surface.