Analysis Of Digital Terrain Models Research Articles

Osuwiska Masywu Ślęży (Przedgórze Sudeckie)

.Œlê¿aMassifisanisolatedgroupofhills,surroundedbyplains,locatedontheSudeticForelandwith the main tops of Œlê¿a and Radunia. This mesoregion covers an area composed of two structural units: Sudetic Ophiolite and Strzegom-Sobótka Granite Pluton. The present relief of the Œlê¿a Massif was formed mainly during thePleistoceneglaciations.Thisarticlepresentstheresultsoflandslideobservationsmadeinselectedlocationson the Œlê¿a Massif. Scientific works were carried out on the south-western, southern and eastern slopes of Œlê¿a (composedofgabbros),aswellasonthenorthernslopesofRadunia(serpentinites).Thisareaistheplaceofoccurrence of specific morphological forms with research history abundant in various concepts (among others: moraines of the Scandinavian ice sheet, congelifluction tongues, debris flows, fossil rockglaciers and landslides). Author’s research, based on field works and digital terrain model analysis, reveals that 15 inactive landslides exist at these locations. The forms are characterized by various morphometric parameters and different types of colluvial mass movements. Probably, they emergedasaresultoflatePleistoceneandearlyHoloceneclimatechanges.Author’sconclusionspartiallyconfirmsomeobservations and interpretations stated by Horwath in 1981 and by Traczyk and Kasprzak in 2014. Due to plenty of landslide evidence, the views about relict rock glaciers and other conceptions should be defined as incorrect. The forms require further detailed studies.

Tracking Individual Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Height Growth Using Multi-Temporal ALS Data from North-Eastern Poland

In this study, we analyzed the change in tree height of 2594 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees with respect to the distribution among different forest sites: HCfs—hydrogenic coniferous forest site; MCfs—mineral coniferous forest site; MMfs—mineral mixed forest site. We obtained tree height information from three independent airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds acquired in north-eastern Poland over a 5-year interval in 2007, 2012, and 2017 using verified tree crown segments. We performed a comparative analysis of digital terrain models (DTMs) calculated from analyzed point clouds, indicating that the highest elevation differences were observed in the case of data from 2007. The analyses showed that tree growth varies significantly depending on the forest site productivity and the stage of tree development, which was described as initial tree height instead of age—commonly used in such studies. In conclusion, it is possible to indicate the significant information potential of using multitemporal ALS data to track individual tree height changes. These field data, combined with meteorological data, can be successfully used to predict changes in the abundance of stands depending on the forest site productivity. We have built Scots pine growth models for each forest site, which indicates that it is possible to predict the change in the tree stand height.

Potential and limitations of LiDAR altimetry in archaeological survey. Copper Age and Bronze Age settlements in southern Iberia

Potential and limitations of LiDAR altimetry in archaeological survey. Copper Age and Bronze Age settlements in southern Iberia

Satellite Imagery Application for Searching Buried Intrusive Structures

Introduction. At the current stage of information technology development, methods for remote sensing have been increasingly used for mineral exploration.Problem Statement. Significant capital intensity of geological works for intrusive bodies search when the crystalline basement is overlapped by a thin sedimentary cover requires the implementation of advanced methods that, on the one hand, allow reducing the costs of exploration and, on the other hand, enable increasing theaccuracy of objects identification.Purpose. The development of methodological framework for the application of remote sensing data to identify prospective areas in search of buried intrusive bodies.Materials and Methods. Medium (Landsat, Sentinel) and high (WorldView) resolution optical satellite imagery data in the thermal infrared and visible ranges of the electromagnetic radiation spectrum; radar satellite data (SRTM), multispectral aerial survey data obtained by unmanned aerial vehicles; methods for structuralinterpretation, digital terrain model analysis, results of field thermometry have been used in this research.Results. A few prospective sites for the search for buried intrusions within the Hubkivska and AnastasivskoBolyarska squares of the Novohrad-Volynskyi block of the Ukrainian Shield, regardless of the geophysical data, have been identified. These objects were later confirmed by detailed geomagnetic surveying and drilling. Withinthe detected thermal anomalies, several small (60—120 m long and 30—50 m wide) dikes have been detected. Four of the 5 wells drilled have confirmed the presence of dike bodies, and 1 well enters the fracture zone. In other areas, where detailed geophysical survey was carried out within the detected thermal anomalies, new dike bodieshave been discovered.Conclusions. The developed technique may be used as an additional tool in geological prospecting.

Assessment of Landscape Character and Absorptivity Based on Digital Terrain Model Analysis—Case Study of Jelenia Góra City in Poland

In an era of significant growth in the availability of spatial data and continued advances in computing technologies, opportunities for new interpretations and solutions to the landscape research problems posed worldwide are emerging. This paper presents different possibilities of applying digital terrain model (DTM) data in research of various aspects of landscape. For this purpose, two different methods were proposed. The first was to identify a set of components of the Jelenia Góra city landscape character on the basis of the topographic position index and spatial distribution of land cover, while the second was to assess the landscape of Jelenia Góra city in terms of the possibility of adopting new elements, using the author’s scenic absorptivity method. The results indicate the structure of the components of the landscape character of Jelenia Góra city together with its spatial distribution, which also allowed for the delineation of landscape units. The scenic absorptivity analysis showed that there are isolated areas within Jelenia Góra city that are capable of accommodating significant size elements that would not adversely affect the city landscape. In conclusion, DTM data are able to significantly improve research methods in landscape studies.

Pleistocene terracing phases in the metropolitan area of Bari - AAR dating and deduced uplift rates of the Apulian Foreland

We performed detailed geological and geomorphological analyses on a series of marine terraces located around the city of Bari (southern Italy). Absolute dating was obtained by applying amino acid racemisation (AAR) to ostracod valves taken from deposits lying on marine terraces. The combination of literature data, field geological surveys, digital terrain model analysis, and absolute dating allowed us to recognise and map: i) four terrace surfaces bordered by four inner edges which date to MIS 7.5, 7.3, 7.1, and 5.5; and ii) three terraced deposits, which date to MIS 7.5, 7.1, and 5.5. These new data represent the first dated terraced deposits (older than MIS 5) of the coastal stretch of the Apulian foreland between Trani and Taranto. Using inner edges of the terraces as palaeo sea level markers, we calculate the mean uplift rates that characterised this portion of the Apulian foreland from MIS 7.5, 7.3, 7.1, 5.5 to the present day; these rates are 0.28, 0.255, 0.15 and 0.01 mm/y, respectively. These new dated Pleistocene terraced deposits allow to refine the knowledge on the chronology, the spatial extension and rate of the uplift and, in general, on the Pleistocene geodynamics of the Apulian foreland.

Digital Terrain Model Derivatives Analysis with the Aim of Identifying Specific Soil Types in Young Post-Glacial Topography with a Vector Approach

<p>This article discusses a study conducted in order to analyse selected Digital Terrain Model (DTM) derivates in diverse young post-glacial topographic profiles with the aim of identifying terrain features that could be related to the soils that formed there. The area under investigation is within the reach of the youngest Vistulian Glaciation, in the north-east of Poland. The main goal of the study was to reveal indirect relationships between a lithological soil type and terrain forms, which transpire from DTM derivatives. This can directly help to assign the type of soil in the area to one of the three soil types: a) made of sand, b) made of loam, c) wet-soils. <span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;">The starting point for<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> the research undertaken was the landscape approach to soil modelling and the article deals with<span style="font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT; font-size: 9pt; color: #231f20; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal;"> medium scales. </span></span></span>Derivatives were analysed using vector data notation, focusing on selected derivative values and their spatial location in relation to one another. The results obtained indicate the possibility of using this approach as an auxiliary approach in soil mapping of areas for which the quality of source materials (such as precipitation geometry) is low. Thus, they can be of assistance in improving the existing soil maps of selected scales. The trend revealed in the obtained results of DTM analysis can be considered as a contribution to realisation of assumptions of a study in digital soil mapping with the use of selected methods of AI.</p>

Оцінювання втрат лісового покриву Українських Карпат дистанційними методами за матеріалами відкритих джерел супутникової інформації

Для оцінювання втрат лісового покриву Українських Карпат на прикладі території Сколівських Бескидів використано дистанційні методи. Для території досліджень на основі аналізу цифрових моделей рельєфу виокремлено ділянки, де, відповідно до чинних інструкцій та нормативів, заборонені суцільні рубки головного користування. На таких ділянках були виявлено та проаналізовано зміни лісового покриву. Для аналізу довгострокових змін лісового покриву використано Карту глобальних змін лісу (Global Forest Change – GFC). За даними аналізу такої інформації встановлено, що у 2010 р. частка природних лісів становила 19 % від загальної площі країни, або від 60,1 млн га. За період з 2001 по 2018 рр. в Україні втрачено 958 тис. га, що відповідає 8,6 % відносно площі лісового покриву за 2000 р. Для порівняння карт змін використано знімки із супутників Sentinel2 з роздільною здатністю 10 м×pix-1 для аналізу втрат лісу за 2015-2018 рр. Розмежування вододілу проведено для досліджуваної території за допомогою інструменту SAGA "Басейни вододілу" з використанням цифрової моделі рельєфу ASTER GDEM. За допомогою інструменту QGIS розраховано стрімкість схилів на основі цифрової моделі рельєфу ASTER GDEM2. Окрім цього, обчислено середнє значення, мінімум та максимум стрімкості схилу для порівняння її із наведеними даними стрімкості в базах лісовпорядкування для кожного виділу. Для визначення площі для екорегіону Українські Карпати на території Сколівських Бескидів спочатку вирізано растрову карту змін за даними Глобальної лісової варти (Global Forest Watch – GFW) за контурами екорегіону, векторизовано растр за картою змін, а потім обчислено площі за кожною категорією змін. Розраховано площі втрат лісового покриву. Встановлено, що вища частка втрат лісового покриву припадає на 2014-2018 рр. Він істотно вищий за середній щорічна частка втрат. Також виявлено, що останніми роками втрати лісового покриву зумовлені рубками, значна частка, котрих припадає на висоту понад 1100 м н.р.м. Аналіз змін лісового покриву для території Сколівських Бескид дав змогу порівняти такі зміни в лісах різної відомчої приналежності: Національного природного парку "Сколівські Бескиди", державного підприємства "Сколівське лісове господарство" та деяких лісництв, котрі належать до юрисдикції Сколівського війського лісгоспу ДП "Івано-Франківський військовий ліспромкомбінат". Порівняння даних втрати лісового покриву показав значні обсяги втрат на території військових лісництв, які були набагато вищими, ніж на інших територіях, що свідчить про їх антропогенне походження, тобто значні обсяги рубок.

Analysis of Digital Terrain Model from LiDAR Data Using Hydro Enforcement Method on Aquatic Object in SEZ Tanjung Lesung

Analysis of Digital Terrain Model from LiDAR Data Using Hydro Enforcement Method on Aquatic Object in SEZ Tanjung Lesung

A review of MIS 7 and MIS 5 terrace deposits along the Gulf of Taranto based on new stratigraphic and chronological data

We performed detailed geological and geomorphological analyses on a well-exposed series of marine terrace deposits located along a coastal area from the city of Taranto to the Bradano River in the northern Gulf of Taranto (southern Italy). Absolute dating was performed by applying amino acid racemisation (AAR) to ostracod shells and isoleucine epimerisation (D-aIle/L-Ile) to Glycymeris sp. shells. The combination of field geological surveys, remote sensing,digital terrain model analysis, and absolute dating allowed us to study a large number of stratigraphic sections as well as recognise and map three terrace deposits in the Apulian sector of the Gulf of Taranto that date to MIS 7.3, MIS 7.1 and MIS 5. A peculiar feature of the MIS 7.1terrace deposit is the presence of biohermal and biostromal limestones rich in Cladocora caespitosa, calcareous algae and bryozoans; this feature contrasts with general context of the prevailing siliciclastic deposits.Based on currently available data, we propose two hypotheses regarding the MIS 5 terrace deposit: 1) the MIS 5 terrace formed entirely during MIS 5.5; and 2) the MIS 5 terrace is a set of terraces that correlates to MIS 5.5, 5.3 and 5.1, in which the scarps and abrasion platforms have been partially masked by the superimposition of the so-called givoni, ridges that are elongated sub-parallel to the coastline.Our data, combined with an extensive critical review of age dates in the literature, allow us to exclude the presence of an emerged marine terrace deposit of MIS 3.We calculate the uplift rates of the MIS 7.3, 7.1, 5.5 and 5.3 palaeoshorelines. In the west sector, the mean uplift rates calculated for the recognised inner edges are MIS 7.3 = 0.65 mm/a, MIS 5.5 = 0.39 mm/a, MIS 5.3 = 0.31 mm/a; in the central sector the rates are MIS 7.3 = 0.485 mm/a, MIS 7.1 = 0.37 mm/a, MIS 5.5 = 0.35 mm/a, MIS 5.3 = 0.26 mm/a; in the east sector the rates are MIS 7.3 = 0.39 mm/a, MIS 5.5 = 0.25 mm/a, MIS 5.3 = 0.21 mm/a. These uplift ratesshow a uniform decreasing trend in time and space, proceeding from the western to the eastern sector, which allows us to hypothesise a slowing of the uplift phase characterising the foredeep, which began in the middle Pleistocene.

Wleń jako miejsce centralne

Wleń jako miejsce centralne

Mapping capable faulting hazard in a moderate-seismicity, high heat-flow environment: The Tuscia province (southern Tuscany-northern Latium, Italy)

This study is focused on potential evidence of capable faulting affecting Southern Tuscany-Northern Latium, a region of high heat flow and moderate to low seismicity. Here we refer to this region as Tuscia, the Latin name for the land of the Etruscans.The review of the evidence for active tectonics in this area has allowed us to identify several potentially active/capable faults, mapped using a combination of analysis of digital terrain models with remote sensing and local geological information derived from bibliographic data and different scale maps.Active and capable faulting is certainly more evident in the eastern sector of Tuscia (Chianti-Cetona Ridge, Pienza, Amiata and Bolsena caldera). However, even in the western Tuscia (e.g. Colline Metallifere and Tyrrhenian coast), capable faulting may be hypothesized along numerous structural elements.The characterization of active faulting potential, in terms of geometry, slip types and rates, in such a high heat-flow environment, beyond its usefulness in improving the assessment of fault displacement and earthquake hazard, also helps to improve knowledge of the stress field and structural setting of the many geothermal fields in the area. This allows new useful insights into geothermal exploitation and hazard (e.g., induced-triggered seismicity). Moreover, this new knowledge of active tectonics and capable faults of the hinterland sector of the Northern Apennines may also provide useful insights into the siting processes of highly hazardous and strategic structures and, more generally, in land use planning and management of infrastructures, especially during emergencies.

Inventory and analysis of geological and topographic distribution of “Balze” crags in the Upper Valdarno basin (Tuscany region, Italy)

In this work we provide an analysis and an updated inventory map of the main outcropping crags, known as Balze in Italy, in the Upper Valdarno basin (Tuscany, Italy). These erosional forms develop in the alluvial-fan deposits that characterize this area. The study area extends up to 30 km2 within the local ANPIL (Natural Protected Area of Local Interest) and can be ascribed as a geomorphosite. Detection and mapping of Balze exposures were outlined on a pre-existing broad raster database, and then improved by means of photo-interpretation of optical imagery and analysis of Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and of topographic layers at 1:2,000 and 1:10,000 scale, supported by field work. A total of 151 Balze exposures were mapped and classified according to their progressive erosional stages, i.e.linear or indented escarpments, spire rocks and pinnacles or residual pillars. Furthermore, the spatial distribution of Balze scarps was investigated with respect to the geological and geomorphological setting and to the landscape zonation of the study area. Results of the inventory and analysis of geological and topographic distribution of the Balze crags can be useful for the characterization of the geomorphosite in the framework of its activity and management.

Общие принципы и методика создания карты береговых морфосистем на основе анализа картографических источников информации

Abstract: The article is devoted to the problem of the cartographic study method application during the analysis of thematic maps and digital terrain models for thematic mapping purposes. The research object are coastal morphosystems of Black Sea coast of Russia. General principles of cartographic information usage for getting the data about the assessment criteria of the coastal morphosystems state were developed. New methods of creating the coastal morphosystems map basing on the results of thematic map and digital terrain model analysis were tested on the study area.

Innovative analysis and use of high‐resolution DTMs for quantitative interrogation of Earth‐surface processes

ABSTRACTThis is the era of digital landscapes; the widespread availability of powerful sensing technologies has revolutionized the way it is possible to interrogate landscapes in order to understand the processes sculpting them. Vastly greater areas have now been acquired at ‘high resolution’: currently tens of metres globally to millimetric precision and accuracy locally. This permits geomorphic features to be visualized and analysed across the scales at which Earth‐surface processes operate. Especially exciting is the capturing of process dynamics in repeated surveying, which will only become more important with low‐cost accessible data generation through techniques such as Structure from Motion (SfM). But the key challenge remains; to interpret high resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), particularly by extracting geomorphic features in robust and objective ways and then linking the observed features to the underlying physical processes. In response to the new data and challenges, recent years have seen improved processing of raw data into DTMs, development of data fusion techniques, novel quantitative analysis of topographic data, and innovative geomorphological mapping. The twelve papers collected in this volume sample this progress in interrogating Earth‐surface processes through the analysis of DTMs. They cover a wide range of disciplines and spatio‐temporal scales, from landslide prone landscapes, to agriculturally modified regions, to mountainous landscapes, and coastal zones. They all, however, showcase the quantitative exploitation of information contained in high‐resolution topographic data that we believe will underpin the improvement of our understanding of many elements of Earth‐surface processes. Most of the papers introduced here were first presented in a conference session at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in 2011. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Automated Identification of Geomorphological and Topographical and Features of the Seabed by Object Based Image Analysis of Digital Terrain Models

Automated Identification of Geomorphological and Topographical and Features of the Seabed by Object Based Image Analysis of Digital Terrain Models

Applications of high-resolution images and DTMs for detailed geomorphological analysis of mountain and plain areas of NW Italy

Detailed analysis of Digital Terrain Models (DTMs), digital imagery, and a discussion of their various applications and derived geothematic products are presented for study areas in two different geological and geomorphological contexts of North West (NW) of Italy. In both cases it has been proposed an integrated approach for geomorphological analysis that put in evidence many advantages of using these new geomatics tools.In the first context, digital geomorphological mapping of high altitude areas of the Aosta Valley (Gran Paradiso and Gran San Bernardo) have been carried out by using photogrammetry and remote sensing on airborne laser scanner data (LiDAR derived DTM) and orthophotos. Suitable results have been obtained for areas of difficult accessibility, with reduced costs and work time compared to traditional field techniques.In the second geomorphological context, high-resolution images of the present topography of the high Piedmont plain (Turin, Asti and Cuneo Provinces) have been used to perform GIS mapping and analysis. Evidences of Quaternary modifications in the hydrographic network have been enhanced, suggesting new geomorphological elements for the reconstruction of the recent geodynamic history of the area.

Fluvial landforms in relation to the geological setting in the “Murge Basse” karst of Apulia (Bari Metropolitan Area, Southern Italy)

Please click here to download the map associated with this article. An integrated geological and geomorphological study was performed in order to describe the landform-features of the Bari Metropolitan Area (“Città Metropolitana di Bari”, Apulia, Southern Italy). The study is focused on the coastal sector of the “Murge Basse” area. This latter is characterized by alow-relief carbonate landscape gently dipping toward the Adriatic Sea, and represents the eastern and lowermost part of “Murge”, a karstic region belonging to the South Apennines foreland. Results coming from field survey, aerial-photo interpretation, and digital terrain model analysis were summarized in a 1:50,000 scale map which can contribute to land management and to assessment of flood hazards in a metropolitan area. In fact, although the “Murge” area shows some features typical of karst landscapes, it exhibits a well developed drainage-network, formed by a dense dendritic pattern in the headwater zone (“Murge Alte”) which evolves into regularly spaced, incised valleys cutting through a staircase of marine terraces moving towards the coastal area (“Murge Basse”). Some of these valleys are joined to sub-horizontal areas (corresponding to some marine terraces), and represent relict landforms related to ancient sea-level changes that occurred during middle and late Pleistocene times. These surfaces located downstream of incised valleys may represent sectors of high flooding hazard in the Bari Metropolitan Area.

Quantification of phosphorus retention efficiency by floodplain vegetation and a management strategy for a eutrophic reservoir restoration

This paper presents an ecohydrological approach to the reduction in the phosphorus load transported by the Pilica River into a lowland reservoir in the central region of Poland. The research was carried out on a 26.6 ha section of the river floodplain where vegetation was the important component accumulating phosphorus (P) in plant tissues. Quantification of P accumulation in plant tissues and retention efficiency by plant communities in the floodplain were analyzed in order to develop a vegetation management strategy that would enhance river self-purification. A Digital Terrain Model (DTM), a location–altitude map, an inundation model of the floodplain, and a map of the distribution of plant communities were used to evaluate the capacity of the floodplain to retain P. In summer, the biological potential for phosphorus retention in the floodplain was estimated to be as high as 255 kg P. However, this potential can be increased by planting fast-growing patches of willow. Therefore, covering 24% or 48% of the entire floodplain (identified by DTM analysis) where are suitable hydrological conditions for growth and cultivation of willows may increase this accumulation to 332 or 399 kg P, respectively. In the long run, an appropriate management strategy (cutting and removing the biomass from the floodplain) should favor a decrease in nutrient transport downstream.

Lateglacial landform associations at Jæren (SW Norway) and their glaci‐dynamic implications

The Jæren lowland is located on the southwestern coast of Norway between a mountainous region in the east and the offshore Norwegian Channel in the west. During the Last Glacial Maximum, Jæren was in an intermediate position between an ice stream following the Norwegian Channel northwards, and westward flowing inland ice. The dynamic behaviour of the inland ice and the interaction with the ice stream are examined by means of geomorphological analysis of digital terrain models and sedimentological investigations. SW‐trending drumlins were formed at Jæren below tributary ice from the inland, feeding into the Norwegian Channel Ice Stream. The presence of Rogen moraine in the central part of Jæren indicates a frozen substratum prior to their formation, and this suggests a transition to cold‐based ice between the tributaries. The deglaciation of the Norwegian Channel at about 15 ka BP resulted in an unstable ice front for the inland ice sheet. The formation of Rogen moraine may be explained by a dynamic advance resulting in extensional flow and fracturing of the frozen substratum between the tributaries. The dynamic advance was followed by an early deglaciation of the coastal areas as evidenced by shallow marine sediments. Deformation of the shallow marine sand indicates a glacial readvance through the valleys formerly acting as tributaries to the ice stream.