Digital Elevation Models in environmental geoscience, Oak Ridges Moraine, southern Ontario

Abstract

Knowledge of topography is often a basic requirement for studies undertaken in the natural sciences, specifically, geomorphology, hydrology, and geology. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) can be developed using Geographical Information Systems and digitally structured topographic maps to provide contiguous information of a landscape. Once terrain information is captured as a DEM, the potential for multidisciplinary geoscience applications increases dramatically. A 1:10000 scale DEM was constructed and used to develop integrated image analysis techniques for geological and landform mapping within a 15 by 20 km test site of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The techniques developed in the test area are being applied on a 1:50000 scale DEM that includes the entire Greater Toronto Area. Examples of DEM applications are provided from both the test site and regional models. The DEM is also being used by geologists on desktop PC systems as an aid in geological mapping.