Vertical exaggeration formula: VE = (real world units of horizontal scale) / (real world units of vertical scale). As an example for a 1:50000 topographic map, we can set the horizontal scale (x axis) of the profile the same as the map.

Why is vertical exaggeration calculated?

Vertical exaggeration (VE) is a scale that is used in raised-relief maps, plans and technical drawings (cross section perspectives), in order to emphasize vertical features, which might be too small to identify relative to the horizontal scale.

What is vertical exaggeration in geography?

Vertical exaggeration refers to the common practice in topographic profiles of different horizontal and vertical scales. ... The resulting scene would not look at all like the human eye perceives terrain; we overestimate slopes and the vertical dimension of topography. Vertical exaggeration x40.