A TIN is a vector-based representation of a surface. It is constructed from a series of nodes and lines that form a network of adjacent triangles. The triangles form facets of a 3D surface that include areas of the same elevation.
The following screenshot shows you an example of a TIN as it is being drawn—you can see the triangles that make up the TIN:
Once all the triangles are drawn, you are presented with what appears to be a solid surface. It is easy to see the elevation changes within the TIN, as shown in the following screenshot:
Because TINs are formed of vector-based data, they tend to be smaller in total file size to an equivalent DEM. However, due to their complexity, they can take much longer to draw or process when used in the analysis. It is strongly recommended that you ensure your computer has a dedicated graphics card if you will be working with TINs when...