Varjokartat

Varjokartat, often translated as "shadow maps" or "shadow projections," is a concept related to cartography and the representation of light and shadow on maps. While traditional maps focus on geographical features, elevations, and political boundaries, varjokartat incorporate elements that depict the way light would fall on a landscape, casting shadows. This can be achieved through various visual techniques.

Historically, some older maps employed hachures, which are short lines drawn on a map to indicate the steepness and direction of slopes. The density and orientation of these hachures could implicitly suggest the presence of shadows, especially when combined with artistic rendering. More modern approaches might use shaded relief or digital elevation models to simulate how sunlight would illuminate a terrain, creating a more realistic and visually intuitive representation of topography.

The purpose of varjokartat is often to enhance the understanding of a landscape's three-dimensional form. By illustrating shadows, a mapmaker can convey information about mountains, valleys, and other landforms in a way that is more easily grasped than purely relying on contour lines. This can be particularly useful for hikers, geologists, or anyone needing to visualize the terrain in detail. The term itself suggests a focus on the ephemeral yet informative aspect of light and its absence on a surface.