The map shown below illustates topographic constraints on land development. In 1969, topography constrained development more than it does now. Most rice fields were located below the 2-meter contour and most buildings were located below the boundary between the granite hills and the coastal plain, approximately the 12-meter contour.
Today, earthmoving equipment is cost-effective for modifying topography above the 10-meter contour and even higher. The 30-meter and 60-meter contours mark what may be remnants of terraces formed by ancient shorelines. Developers extend the remnants of these hill "terraces" for new housing and for commercial developments, such country clubs and golf courses.
This topographic map is based on digital elevation model (DEM) data acquired by NASA during the Shuttle Radar Topopgraphy Mission (SRTM). The resolution of the images distributed for Asia is 100-meters per pixel.
