# Introduction This lab demonstrates how to use Matplotlib to create topographic hillshading plots using varying blend modes and vertical exaggeration. The purpose of hillshading is for visual purposes to create a 3D-like effect on 2D maps. In this lab, we will learn how to change the blend modes and vertical exaggeration to achieve different visual effects. ## VM Tips After the VM startup is done, click the top left corner to switch to the **Notebook** tab to access Jupyter Notebook for practice. Sometimes, you may need to wait a few seconds for Jupyter Notebook to finish loading. The validation of operations cannot be automated because of limitations in Jupyter Notebook. If you face issues during learning, feel free to ask Labby. Provide feedback after the session, and we will promptly resolve the problem for you.
Click the virtual machine below to start practicing