Development of topographic position index based on Jenness algorithm for precision agriculture at Kerala, India

Abstract

This study is an attempt to classify the topographic position index (TPI) and landforms of Kerala State, India using complex spatial statistics and GIS application to identify and extract geomorphologic properties of digital elevation model with 30 m resolution. The landform classification is done using the Jenness algorithm, based on the TPI of the area under study—Kerala State, India. As per the TPI of Kerala 12.20% of the area belongs to valleys, 77.71% of the area is covered by flat areas or areas of constant slope and 10.07% of the area is covered by rides and peaks. Landform classes of the 4 physiographic regions of Kerala namely lowland, midland, foothill zone and highland has been analyzed. Plains dominate the lowland regions. The mountain tops/high ridges cover 28.47, 34.49 and 34.22% in midland, foothill zones and highland regions. U shaped valley has been distributed more in lowland and midland zones. The physiographic classification of TPI and landform from the study can be used in applications related to precision agriculture, landuse alteration studies where the most dominant factor is landform.