Spatial Terrain Technical Notes
What does a four-metre model tell us?
Our first note separates terrain detail from measured accuracy and links to the calculations behind snow depth, release potential and radar screening.
Read ST-TN-001 →Spatial Terrain
Terrain intelligence for mountain environments.
Spatial Terrain is an independent geospatial engineering company founded by Simon Grogan. We develop detailed mountain maps and snow models using open LiDAR, weather inputs, SLF SNOWPACK and Sentinel-1 satellite radar.
View the research systems
The snowpack, mapped onto the slope.
Daily snow conditions are mapped onto detailed terrain. The layers show where snow may collect, where release conditions may be stronger and where terrain may increase the consequences.
Modelled snow depthShows how wind, elevation, aspect and terrain shape can redistribute snow across the mountain.
- Terrain
- 4 m LiDAR-derived grid
- Time
- Selected-day model state
- Meaning
- Modelled depth, not a field measurement
Interpretation limit. These are experimental research layers. They express relative modelled evidence and do not replace an avalanche forecast, field observations, snow-profile evidence or expert judgement.
Explore avalanche terrain modelling
Finding avalanche debris with Sentinel-1 satellite radar.
Mountain Conditions applies established Sentinel-1 satellite radar research to UK avalanche screening. This proof-of-concept view shows surface changes identified for further analysis, not confirmed avalanches.
Proof of concept8 to 20 February 2018
- Yellow box: first-pass radar change
- A surface change identified for further automated analysis.
Detailed mapping from 1:5,000.
Publication-quality terrain mapping can be produced across regions from high-resolution elevation and authoritative local data, while retaining one coherent cartographic system.
Production system under active development.
Wales · TryfanA peak-centred LiDAR render labels Tryfan at 918 m and resolves crags, gullies, scree, paths and hydrology at a genuine 1:5,000 nominal scale.
- Study output
- 1:5,000 · 1,500 m × 1,000 m ground window
- Terrain source
- 1 m NRW LiDAR · 2.5 m contours
Commission-specific mapping
Symbols, colour systems, labelling, feature priorities and hazard overlays can be changed to suit the operational or public-facing requirement.
Multiple scales and formats
Close site plans and signboards, route sheets, planning material, volunteer field maps, print output, digital tiles and GIS delivery.
Regional source integration
Elevation, hydrology, land cover, access, named features and specialist datasets are reconciled to the projection and source quality of each region.
Map content is a development render and is not a substitute for current official navigation or hazard information.
Explore high-resolution mountain cartographyResearch and evidence
Inspect the work behind the images.
Technical notes, recorded-event comparisons and development studies explain what the systems do, how to interpret the results and what still needs testing.
Public weather service
Mountain Weather
Mountain-specific forecasts and weather intelligence, with published methods and development comparisons against observations.
Explore the evidence →Snow and avalanche research
Mountain Conditions
Snow and terrain models examined alongside documented avalanche events, with the source evidence and interpretation limits available to inspect.
Explore the case evidence →A specialist company, connected by terrain.
SPATIAL TERRAIN LIMITED develops Mountain Weather and Mountain Conditions alongside our cartography and terrain research. We bring technical development and practical mountain questions together for mapping organisations, land managers, researchers and outdoor technology partners.
About Spatial Terrain- For
- Forecasting services, mapping organisations, land managers and research partners
- Work
- Snow and avalanche modelling, radar detection and cartography
- Approach
- Inspectable outputs, stated limitations and evidence-led evaluation
Bring us a mountain question.
For commissioned mapping, terrain studies, technical evaluation and software or data integration. See how we scope a project →
hello@spatialterrain.com