triangulated irregular network (TIN)

A Triangulated Irregular Network (TIN) is a way to represent terrain or surface features using a network of non-uniformly spaced triangles. Each triangle is formed by connecting a set of points with known elevations, creating a flexible, detailed model of the landscape. TINs are commonly used in geographic information systems (GIS) to accurately depict terrain features, analyze slopes, or model surfaces, especially in areas with complex topography. This method efficiently captures varying elevations and landforms by adjusting triangle shapes and sizes, providing precise terrain representation for analysis and planning.