Below is a topographical map that delineates the varied and steep elevation gradients within the Guadalupe Mountains of El Paso, TX.  Crafting this map was a journey unto itself.

Steps to Create This Map: 

I began by sourcing data from NASA's Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.  Subsequently, I used the statistics function in ArcGIS Pro to generalize and smooth out some of the terrain layers.  Then, employing the Contour tool within the Spatial Analyst toolbox, I generated a feature class of contours.  After considerable time spent on cartographic design, I finalized this representation to visualize the area's topography.

In a time when topographical maps are often overloaded with data and compromise on visual appeal, I aimed for a distinctive approach.  Although I could have annotated every elevation level to convey the arduous ascent to Guadalupe Peak, that was not my goal. My intent was to recapture the enchantment of traditional cartography — the allure that initially captivated many of us in the GIS field.  Maps should not only be informative but also visually compelling, inviting the viewer to immerse in the narrative they weave. In this instance, the map hints at the rigorous trek that thousands complete each year in this beloved region of Texas.