Abstract
ABSTRACT We present a method of digital geomorphological mapping of mountainous areas with a legend consisting of a three-tiered nested hierarchy using two case study areas from Vorarlberg, Austria. Users can easily visualize maps in a geographical information system (GIS) at the finest level with a legend of 33 morphogenetic domains. Reclassification of the morphogenetic classes in an automated GIS-workflow generates the medium and high levels of hierarchy, and each tier is accompanied by suggested scale ranges for visualization. A variety of high-resolution input data (LiDAR-derived data, geomorphological and geological raster maps) supports the mapping method, which also strongly benefits from field knowledge. The method facilitates analysis, interpretation, visualization and application of geomorphological data at a large range of scales and corresponding information densities within one database. The structure of the legend allows for inclusion of additional morphogenetic classes and for application and adaptation in other environments.
Highlights
Geomorphology can be broadly defined as the study of landforms and of the geological forces that produce them (Bauer, 2004; Fairbridge, 1968)
Geomorphology combines form, material and genesis: form refers to the outer shape of landscapes and landscape elements; material to the substratum, i.e. rocks and unconsolidated deposits that underlie the surface of the landforms; and genesis to the past and present processes that have created the landforms (Seijmonsbergen et al, 2014)
We present here an innovative mapping method which is the latest development in a geomorphological mapping project initiated in the 1950s in the mountains of the state of Vorarlberg (Austria) and adjacent areas (Simons, 1985)
Summary
Geomorphology can be broadly defined as the study of landforms and of the geological forces that produce them (Bauer, 2004; Fairbridge, 1968). According to Seijmonsbergen (2013), classical geomorphological maps are representations in a single paper map of the spatial distribution of landforms, materials and the processes responsible for their formation. They contain a wealth of information that is usually documented with the aid of symbol and color legends. Seijmonsbergen (2013) describes it as a digital collection of georeferenced data which provides scale-independent information on the Earth’s surface geomorphometry/ morphography, surface material distribution and processes, and is, in its most advanced form, accompanied by an accuracy assessment. Raw data and information are stored in a (geo-)database, which contains georeferenced raster, vector and tabular data These data can be queried, analyzed and visualized in, commonly, a geographical information system (GIS). For the sake of convenience, we still use them, ‘digital geomorphological information layer’ and ‘building database’ would arguably be better terms
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