Hillshading with Contours Patrick Kennelly Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and Environmental Science CW Post Campus / Long Island University 720 Northern Blvd. Brookville, NY 11548 Tel: (516) 299-2652 Email: Patrick.Kennelly@liu.edu Jon Kimerling Professor, Department of Geosciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331 Abstract This paper presents modifications and automations of two contour methods devised by Kitiro Tanaka (1896-1973) for hillshading. Tanaka’s orthographic relief method uses traces resulting from the intersection of topography with a series of evenly spaced, inclined planes, as opposed to the traditional horizontal planes. His relief contour method uses black and white contours of varying thickness on a gray background. With both methods, the tonal variations associated with contours approximate oblique hillshading with the Lambert assumption. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), we offer methods to automate these procedures. We also suggest modifications of Tanaka’s methods, such as creating hillshading effects that more closely approximate those predicted with the Lamberian assumption, and adding layer tinting.