What terrain feature is classified as a supplementary feature?

In terrain analysis, supplementary features provide additional context to the primary characteristics of the landform. Cuts, which refer to excavated sections of land where soil or rock has been removed (often created during road constructions or alterations in the terrain), are considered a supplementary feature because they augment the understanding of the terrain but are not primary features themselves.

In contrast, hills and valleys represent significant, natural landforms that are more dominant features of the terrain, while cliffs are also noticeable vertical boundaries of the land. These primary features form the base understanding of the topography being analyzed. Thus, cuts serve as modifications or enhancements to these primary features, providing important information about human alterations or specific environmental characteristics of the area. This classification helps in assessing how the terrain might affect flight operations by identifying not just the major features, but also how modifications impact visibility and obstacle avoidance.