Hillshade/Slope analysis and Z Factors

[DanielErklauer]

Hello,

I have a question about z factors and how to use them within a slope analysis and hillshade function.  I have a data set that is XYZ.  X and Y are in decimal degrees while z is in meters.  I understand that the z value has to be converted to degrees using a z factor of .00001 (as per ESRI Help hillshade Spatial Analyst).  What I am confused about is in the help manual under Hill shade 3D analyst another z factor chart is offered based on latitude (I believe this is due to the geoid ????).  Then when I read the Slope help (both spatial analyst and 3d analyst) z values are not offered so do I use a value of .00001 or is it lat dependent?      


Can someone please explain this or recommend an article to read on this?

Thank you

[MarcinGasior · Accepted solution]

This article explains how to use z-factor and how it depends on latitude:
http://blogs.esri.com/esri/arcgis/2007/06/12/setting-the-z-factor-parameter-correctly/

Despite the factors presented in this article, for cartographic purposes a bit higher z-factor in Hillshade tool gives more vivid terrain picture.

[DanielErklauer]

Thanks that is what I was looking for.