Physiographic Map Research Articles

Spatially distributed calibration of a hydrological model with variational optimization constrained by physiographic maps for flash flood forecasting in France

Spatially distributed calibration of a hydrological model with variational optimization constrained by physiographic maps for flash flood forecasting in France

Geospatial analysis of groundwater arsenic and fluoride in Quaternary aquifers of southern Ontario, Canada

The geological setting of an area plays a critical role in the transfer and ultimate distribution of hydrochemical constituents present in groundwater. In southern Ontario, Canada, the present physiography was significantly influenced by glacial processes during the Quaternary period. The heterogeneous nature and complex pattern of shallow subsurface glacial overburden sediments, likely affect the fate of different groundwater constituents. In this study, arsenic (As) and fluoride (F−) concentrations from 515 water wells, that are constructed within overburden sediment, were analyzed with the physiographic map of southern Ontario along with other related variables. Geospatial mapping and several spatial statistical analyses were performed to examine the possible geological influence on As and F− distribution and water-well susceptibility at a regional scale. Key findings suggest four physiographic settings were significant variables influencing the distribution of As and F− in differently constructed bored/dug and drilled wells. Bored/dug wells in Bevelled Till Plains and bored/dug wells in Undrumlinized and Bevelled Till Plains were found to be relatively susceptible to As and F− contamination respectively. In contrast, bored/dug and drilled wells in Drumlinized Till Plains and Drumlins and drilled wells in Sand Plains seemed to be relatively safe from F− and As respectively. The statistical regression analyses suggested that other variables, such as the application of phosphate fertilizer and the textures of till, influenced the spatial distribution of As and F− as well as which types of wells (bored/dug or drilled) were impacted. The geospatial mapping and statistical cluster analysis indicated that the possible sources of elevated As and F− in drilled wells are the clasts of underlying bedrock. The relationship between physiographic settings and impacted overburden wells in southern Ontario provides planners with an approach to water-well susceptibility assessments at the regional scale, which in turn can guide further local analysis for water resource management.

Land evaluation of north east El Baharya oases area, Egypt using GIS and remote sensing techniques

The North East area of El Baharya Oases represents one of the highest priority areas for future agricultural development in Egypt. The study area is located between longitudes 29° 9' 28.354" , 29° 27' 38.264" East and latitudes 28° 47' 26.562" , 29° 3' 17.531" North and covers an area of about 101294 feddans. A physiographic map was produced to present the mapping units of the study area. The area was classified into two landscapes, i.e., plateau represents 23.77 % of the total study area and plain which covers an area of about 77212.3 feddans (76.23 % of the total study area). The soils of the study area are classified as Entisols ( Torriorthents and Torripsamments) and Aridisols (Haplogypsids, Petrogypsids and Haplosalids). Land capability was used to evaluate the soils of the study area. The study area was classified into four capability subclasses, i.e., S2x, S3x,n , S3x,d and N1x,d,n .The soils of S2x (69.26 % of the total area) have moderate limitations for agricultural crops, whereas texture is the most limiting factor.

SOIL EROSION RISK ESTIMATION BY USING SEMI EMPIRICAL RUSLE MODEL: A CASE STUDY OF NUN WATERSHED, UTTARAKHAND

Day by day numerous population pressure on land and due industrialization there is a vigorous increase of temperature increase in atmosphere, acid rain along with Deforestation definitely degrade the quality the of land. It should have to evaluate the land for estimate the quality of soil and find out the nutrition status as well as the soil health. The present study was employed with in Geographic Information System (GIS) environment to predict erosion risk following semi empirical Revised Soil Loss Erosion Model (RUSLE). The physiographic soil map was prepared by visual interpretation of satellite image LISS-4 from which soil erodibility factor is derived. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) derived from Contour map, used as the base map for the topographic related analysis. In the model LS factor was derived from the DEM. C and P factor derived from the LULC map. In the watershed 15.90 % under very high erosion, 5.49 % high erosion,7.03 % under moderate high erosion, 8.54 % under moderate erosion,11.69 % under low erosion, and 51.36 % under very low erosion.

Physical Profile of Calbiga River, Samar, Central Philippines

Physical profile is significant reference to in addressing areas at risk due to fluvial processes and in establishing the physiographic maps especially in protected areas. Calbiga is one of the major rivers inside the Samar Island Natural Park (SINP). The source of Calbiga river was traced at the foot of Mt. Huraw of San Jose de Buan, Samar. The area is at the center of the Samar Island with an elevation of 850 meter above sea level (MASL). The river stretches 36.4 kilometers, with an average span of 44.57 meters, and average depth of 2.6 meters. The average height of the river bank is 7.67 meters, with rage of 5 - 10 meters. Generally, the substrate was sand. On fluvial dynamics, the average water velocity is 0.20 mps with the average water flow of 18.64 m3/sec. The floodplain ranged from 10 - 15 meters and 5 to 7 meters high. The river control measures are making a positive impact, though it could be reviewed to address the low elevation of the midstream. Rehabilitation measures at the watershed should be considered, parallel to the policy implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) measures.

A landscape classification map of Ireland and its potential use in national land use monitoring

This study presents a novel landscape classification map of the Republic of Ireland and is the first to identify broad landscape classes by incorporating physiographic and land cover data. The landscape classification responds to commitments to identify and classify the Irish landscape as a signatory to the European Landscape Convention. The methodology applied a series of clustering iterations to determine an objective multivariate classification of physiographic landscape units and land cover datasets. The classification results determined nine statistically significant landscape classes and the development of a landscape classification map at a national scale. A statistical breakdown of land cover area and diversity of each class was interpreted, and a comparison was extended using independent descriptive variables including farmland use intensity, elevation, and dominant soil type. Each class depicts unique spatial and composition characteristics, from coastal, lowland and elevated, to distinct and dominating land cover types, further explained by the descriptive variables. The significance of individual classes and success of the classification is discussed with particular reference to the wider applicability of the map. The transferability of the methodology to other existing physiographic maps and environmental datasets to generate new landscape classifications is also considered. This novel work facilitates the development of a strategic framework to efficiently monitor, compare and analyse ecological and other land use data that is spatially representative of the distribution and extent of land cover in the Irish countryside.

Worldbuilding from tectonic first principles: Integrating and challenging undergraduate knowledge through a course project

In this integrative, team-based capstone project, students in an upper year Tectonics course built a planet of their own design from the basic concepts of plate tectonics. They created a tectonic map complete with plate boundaries, continental-ocean boundaries, motion vectors, and hot spot traces. In subsequent weeks, students produced a geologic map illustrating features that were a consequence of decisions made in creating their tectonic map. Students designed their own legend and determined the specificity or generality in which they conveyed geologic features at the scale of their map. Students also created a physiographic map reflective of the geology of their planet. Evaluation of student artifacts indicates the project was successful in meeting learning outcomes that challenged students to think in three-dimensions and over geologic timescales, and to develop problem-solving skills; a learning outcome of integrating knowledge from other courses was also met, but to a lesser degree and with more variability among teams. With minor adjustments, this project could be implemented in any tectonics course, or in other subjects including oceanography, atmospheric science, or paleontology.

Land Evaluation of some Soils for El- Farafra Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt تقییم بعض أراضی واحة الفرافرة بمحافظة الوادى الجدید - مصر

This work aims to identify the main physiographic units and their soil taxonomic ones as well as land evaluation for some promising areas of El- Farafra Oasis. The main materials and methods were Sentinel 2 image (2019), visual interpretation and digital elevation model (DEM) were used to produce physiographic soil map. The physiographic point of view, the landscapes include two units, i.e. plateau and depression floor. Eighteen profiles and seventy-two augers were dug to check the main physiographic mapping units in the studied area. Soil samples have been collected from the representative soil profiles for physical and chemical analysis. The main results pointed out that the El-Farafra oasis were classified into four capability classes, i.e. S2, S3, N1 and N2. The soils of S2 have moderate limitations for agricultural crops, whereas texture is the main limiting factor (18.55). The main limiting factors of soils of S3 are texture, soil depth and salinity (41.22 %). The soils of N1 (11.46 %), also the permanent not suitable of N2 (21.06 %) include rocky areas and very shallow soils. The cultivated area is about 7.7% of the total aforementioned area. The suitability for cultivation four main crops namely wheat, barley, sorghum and olive in the studied area are assessed. Olive was the most suitable to cultivation in these soils.

An Approach of Agricultural Courses for Soil Conservation Based on Crop Soil Suitability Using Geomatics

Optimal resource planning is essential in developing countries, particularly in the Middle East, where scarcity of resources represents a major challenge for development. To eliminate inappropriate human influence on natural resources and develop a strategy for appropriate land use, land evaluation (LE) assessments are crucial to be properly carried out. In this context, land suitability (LS) assessment was performed in Port Said Governorate. LE and LS were carried out for several field crops, vegetable crops, forage crops, and fruit trees. LS was matched based on the requirements of the selected crops, then it was associated with physiographic map units using a GIS platform. Different sources of remote sensing-derived maps were integrated and homogenized to increase the accuracy of physiographic. Moreover, land quality and soil characteristics mapping were conducted in Arc GIS spatial model to generate LS using geostatistical methods. The results revealed that structure of LS classification was four classes only, moderately suitable S2 = 36%, marginally suitable S3 = 30%, currently not suitable N1 = 23%, and permanently not suitable for crops N2 = 11% of total area of land), respectively, of land. The actual LS produced in association with physiographic units. The potential crops suitability was produced considering the significant fluctuation in land use in the area. Fluctuation changes in land use; fish farms led to increase organic matter (OM) to 2.3 from 0.4% in some soil profiles due to the fish farms practices in the area, and reduce soil electrical conductivity by 50% due to leaching effect. Severe limitations of crop suitability are due to defects associated with organic OM, soil compaction, salinization, alkalinization and carbonates. This work helps to achieve optimum use of available land resources to help in soil improvement and prevent land degradation. Comprehensive LS assessment is required to grow appropriate crops on marginal lands. Hence, there is an urgent need for developing a crop suitability framework for optimum use of land in the area. This approach provides an integrated approach to identify suitable crops for areas with physical constraints.

Great Mining Camps of Canada 7. The Bathurst Mining Camp, New Brunswick, Part 1: Geology and Exploration History

The Bathurst Mining Camp of northern New Brunswick is approximately 3800 km2 in area, encompassed by a circle of radius 35 km. It is known worldwide for its volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits, especially for the Brunswick No. 12 Mine, which was in production from 1964 to 2013. The camp was born in October of 1952, with the discovery of the Brunswick No. 6 deposit, and this sparked a staking rush with more hectares claimed in the province than at any time since. In 1952, little was known about the geology of the Bathurst Mining Camp or the depositional settings of its mineral deposits, because access was poor and the area was largely forest covered. We have learned a lot since that time. The camp was glaciated during the last ice age and various ice-flow directions are reflected on the physiographic map of the area. Despite abundant glacial deposits, we now know that the camp comprises several groups of Ordovician predominantly volcanic rocks, belonging to the Dunnage Zone, which overlie older sedimentary rocks belonging to the Gander Zone. The volcanic rocks formed during rifting of a submarine volcanic arc on the continental margin of Ganderia, ultimately leading to the formation of a Sea of Japan-style basin that is referred to as the Tetagouche-Exploits back-arc basin. The massive sulphide deposits are mostly associated with early-stage, felsic volcanic rocks and formed during the Middle Ordovician upon or near the sea floor by precipitation from metalliferous fluids escaping from submarine hot springs. The history of mineral exploration in the Bathurst Mining Camp can be divided into six periods: a) pre-1952, b) 1952-1958, c) 1959-1973, d) 1974-1988, and e) 1989-2000, over which time 45 massive sulphide deposits were discovered. Prior to 1952, only one deposit was known, but the efforts of three men, Patrick (Paddy) W. Meahan, Dr. William J. Wright, and Dr. Graham S. MacKenzie, focused attention on the mineral potential of northern New Brunswick, which led to the discovery of the Brunswick No. 6 deposit in October 1952. In the 1950s, 29 deposits were discovered, largely resulting from the application of airborne surveys, followed by ground geophysical methods. From 1959 to 1973, six deposits were discovered, mostly satellite bodies to known deposits. From 1974 to 1988, five deposits were found, largely because of the application of new low-cost analytical and geophysical techniques. From 1989 to 2000, four more deposits were discovered; three were deep drilling targets but one was at surface.

Analysis of Distribution of Rain Stations Based on Physiomorphohydro Zoning

The placement of a rain station must precisely represent the area it is measuring, so it is necessary to examine the distribution of existing rain stations compared to the characteristics of the area measured. This study aims to assess the distribution of existing rain station in East Java compared with physiographic variables, altitude and rainfall characteristics. The method used is overlay map method using Geographic Information System application. The overlaid maps consist of physiographic maps, topographic maps and rain maps whose results are called physiomorphohydro maps. The results showed that the distribution of rain stations in East Java is relatively uneven compared to the physiomorphohydro condition. Based on the overlay results it is known that there are a number of zoning that have no rain stations and excessive rain stations. Other zones have the corresponding number of rain stations. The number of zoning physiomorphohydro which has no rain station as many as 23 zones and more as 33 zones and as many as 6 zones have been appropriate. Therefore, it is necessary to review the distribution of rain stations in East Java in accordance with the characteristics of the area measured.

Individualization of soil classes by disaggregation of physiographic map polygons

Abstract: The objective of this work was to disaggregate the polygons of physiographic map units in order to individualize the soil classes in each one, representing them as simple soil map units and generating a more detailed soil map than the original one, making these data more useful for future reference. A physiographic map, on a 1:25,000 scale, of the Tarumãzinho watershed, located in the municipality of Águas Frias, in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, was used. For disaggregation, three geomorphometric parameters were applied: slope and landforms, both derived from the digital terrain model; and an elevation map. The boundaries of the physiographic units and the elevation, slope, and landform maps were subjected to cross tabulation to identify the existing combinations between the soil classes of each physiographic unit. Based on these combinations, rules were established to select typical areas of occurrence of each soil type in order to train a decision tree model to predict the occurrence of soil classes. The model was trained using the Weka software and was validated with a set of georeferenced soil profiles. Disaggregation enables the individualization and spatialization of soil classes and is useful in producing detailed soil maps.

“LANDSCApp”: a friendly way to share the Italian geo-heritage

AbstractThe geological landscape is an excellent topic for a better enhancement of the sustainable tourism. Considering Landscape as the result of the endogenous and exogenous activities that form the Earth's surface, and/or as the result of the interaction of many natural and cultural components, it is almost mandatory the use of such a theme as an informative vector in Environment Sciences popularization. Modern technology offers new powerful tools to reach and share a complete knowledge on the territory (intended as the integration between natural and cultural components). The overlay of thematic maps (geological, geomorphological, physiographic maps) as well as the integration of collected data allows us to identify the areas of greater natural and cultural value. The outdoor sports, expecially cycling and ski, give us an opportunity to talk about the territory, referring to its natural and cultural history; GIS and 3D modelling, are flexible and friendly tools in educational plans as well as in territorial promotion, fitting for the purpose of a twinning with TV sport transmission, as confirmed by the GeoloGiro experience (Geology at the Giro d’Italia 2013/14/15/16). The prototypical App here proposed, will show the landscape where the sports are played, through the visualisation of thematic maps and correlated images (3D modelling, animation, cartoons) integrating information on local environment and culture: the “LandscApp”. We argue that special attention should be devoted to the link between landscapes, wine tourism and sports, and that this new field would spur new actions to promote sustainable development in Italy, as well as a more sensible culture of responsible wine consumption.

Raisz’s physiographic method of landform mapping

Maps are powerful modes of communication between scientists and novices. Cartographer Erwin Raisz understood just how powerful maps could be for visualizing the broad landscape. His physiographic method of landscape representation merged pictorial representation with large-scale cartography to generate some of the most vivid images of the physical landscape in the early part of the 20th century. Today, despite our ability to represent the landscape with increasingly realistic representations, there is a fondness for those traditional style line drawings. Thus, it is important to take time and reflect on the impact of Raisz’s physiographic map on modern terrain representation. Here we look at Raisz’s own body of work and his influence on modern cartographers, and finally we look at non-photorealistic representation’s potential for replicating early line drawing methods like Raisz’s.

Vulnerabilidade à perda de solo na microbacia Lajeado Pessegueiro, Brasil

Geotechnologies present as an important tool in identifying vulnerable areas, assisting in land vulnerability mapping, allowing the spatial distribution of risks caused by soil loss. This study aimed to identify and diagnose the vulnerability of the soil in the Lajeado Pessegueiro watershed, Guaruja do Sul, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the environment, to provide input for the planning and environmental and economic management. The vulnerability mapping was developed through integrated environmental analysis with many variables and with the use of a geographic information system that allows the spatial distribution of risk through thematic maps, which can assist in the planning and management of the river basin and farms placed in it. The methodology uses the delimitation of landscape units, and assigns to each thematic variable a value of stability (ranging from 1 to 3) in thematic maps (physiographic, pedological, use and occupation of land and slope). The vulnerability map of soil loss was drawn from the integration of physiographic maps, slope, soil conditions and use and occupation of land. The results showed the predominance with 51.98% of averagely stable/vulnerable areas in watershed and this occurrence is associated mainly by the presence of a balance between the morphogenesis and pedogenesis processes. The results obtained can be used in the development of prevention and enforcement practices and soil management aimed at decreasing soil loss.

Uso de geotecnologias na avaliação da favorabilidade hidrogeológica em aquíferos fraturados

Este artigo trata do mapeamento da favorabilidade hidrogeológica em aquíferos fraturados, na região do Circuito das Águas Paulista. As técnicas de sensoriamento remoto e análise geoespacial foram utilizadas para criação e combinação de mapas geológico, fisiográficos, estrutural, de uso e cobertura do solo e de favorabilidade. Estes dados foram manipulados em sistemas de informação geográfica, visando ao mapeamento da favorabilidade hidrogeológica, utilizando lógica Fuzzy. O mapeamento de favorabilidade se mostrou de acordo com os valores de capacidade específica, e com o padrão de distribuição dos poços. Além disso, a superfície de tendência gerada a partir dos dados de capacidade específica se mostrou em conformidade com o mapa de favorabilidade, corroborando a acurácia do método utilizado e demonstrando uma alta favorabilidade hidrogeológica nos municípios e Águas de Lindóia de Lindóia.

Modelling soil erosion risk in a mountainous watershed of Mid-Himalaya by integrating RUSLE model with GIS

Soil erosion is one of the major cause of land degradation and is a serious threat to food security and agricultural sustainability. Revised Universal Soil Loss equation (RUSLE) model using remote sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) inputs was employed to estimate soil erosion risk in a watershed of mid-Himalaya in Uttarakhand state, India. Spatial distribution of soil erosion risk area in the watershed was estimated by integrating various RUSLE factors (R, K, LS, C, P) in raster based GIS environment. RUSLE model factor maps were generated using remote sensing satellite data (IRS LISS III and LANDSAT-8) and Digital elevation model. Agriculture (59%) was found to be the dominant land use system followed by scrub land (20%) in the watershed. Rainfall erosivity (R) factor was estimated using past 23 years rainfall data. SRTM DEM was used to generate slope length –steepness (LS) factor in this highly rugged terrain. Nearly 70% of the watershed is having steep to moderately steep slope (>40%). Satellite data was interpreted to prepare physiographic map at 1:50,000 scale. Surface soil samples collected in each physiograpohic unit was analyzed to generate soil erodibility (K) map. Soil erodibility factor ranged from 0.033 to 0.077 in the watershed. Soil erosion risk analysis showed that 36.25%, 9.31%, 15.80%, 15.27%, 11.46% and 11.89% area of watershed falls under very low, low, moderate, moderate high, high and very high erosion risk classes respectively. The average annual erosion rate was predicted to be 65.84 t/ha/yr. The soil erosion rates were predicted to vary from 3.24 t/ha/yr in dense mixed forest cover to 87.98 t/ha/yr in open scrub land. The soil erosion map thus generated employing remote sensing and GIS techniques, can serve as a tool for deriving strategies for effective planning and implementation of various management and conservation practices for soil and water conservation in the watershed.

Assessing the Geological and Climatic Forcing of Biodiversity and Evolution Surrounding the Gulf of California

Assessing the Geological and Climatic Forcing of Biodiversity and Evolution Surrounding the Gulf of California Greer A. Dolby (bio), Scott E. K. Bennett (bio), Andrés Lira-Noriega (bio), Benjamin T. Wilder (bio), and Adrian Munguía-Vega (bio) The biota of the lands has had a restless place and has endured displacements, inundations, extinctions, and has been forced into migrations with the coming and going of the sea, with the submergence or emergence of mountains, and with the concomitant changes of local climate. Close study of the plant and animal life, when directed by a correlating intelligence, should reveal a course of evolution, expressed jointly by plant and rock, hardly equaled in plant geography. —Howard Scott Gentry (1949:82) Introduction For almost a century the Baja California peninsula (Peninsula), Gulf of California (Gulf), and broader Sonoran Desert region (figure 1) have drawn geologists and biologists alike to study its unique physical and evolutionary processes (e.g., Wittich 1920; Darton 1921; Nelson 1921; Johnston 1924; Beal 1948; Durham and Allison 1960). The challenge remains to untangle the long, intricate, and at times enigmatic geological and climatological histories that have shaped the high levels of endemism and biodiversity observed in the region today (Van Devender 1990; Grismer 2000; Riddle et al. 2000). Evolutionary theory argues that areas of endemism are generated through increased speciation rates or an unusual capacity to sustain species whose populations go extinct elsewhere. Areas with such high levels of unique biodiversity also demand conservation effort to preserve the underlying evolutionary processes and mitigate the extinction risk posed to species with limited ranges (Myers et al. 2000). Endemism rates [End Page 391] Click for larger view View full resolution Figure 1. Physiographic map of the Gulf of California–Salton Trough–Sonoran Desert regions of western North America. Outline of Sonora Desert in white. Towns: E-Ensenada, SF-San Felipe, G-Guaymas, SR-Santa Rosalía, SI-San Ignacio, A-Alamos, L-Loreto, LP-La Paz, LC-Los Cabos. Places: SGP-San Gorgonio Pass, SS-Salton Sea, BC-Ballenas Channel, PE-Punta Eugenia, TV-Las Tres Virgenes volcanoes, RC-La Reforma Caldera, PM-Punta Mita. Islands: IAG-Isla Ángel de la Guarda, IT-Isla Tiburón, ITM-Islas Tres Marías. Marine Basins: UTB-Upper Tiburón basin, GB-Guaymas basin, EGB-East Guaymas basin, AB-Alarcon basin. All geographic analyses and maps use base map elevation data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) [http://srtm.usgs.gov/]. [End Page 392] for reptiles and plants reach 54% and 30%, respectively, along the Peninsula (Grismer 2002; Brusca et al. 2005; Riemann and Ezcurra 2005; Munguía-Vega 2011; Rebman and Roberts 2012), and the Gulf is one of the world’s marine diversity hotspots (Roberts et al. 2002). Yet, after almost a century of investigation into the geology, climate, and biology of this region, questions of timing and causality between these perspectives remain. In this article we attempt to unite the wealth of knowledge that remains divided along disciplinary lines, bridge their perspectives, and guide future study. To do so we include examples from the emerging field of geogenomics, in which large-scale genetic data inform geological hypotheses (Baker et al. 2014). The interdisciplinary nature of this effort is founded on the belief that through a synthetic approach incorporating plate tectonics, fossils, climate, ecology, and genetics we can better answer the long-standing questions about the physical history and origins and patterns of biodiversity surrounding the Gulf of California. Reviews with varying scopes and emphases have summarized previous geological and biological work (Case and Cody 1983; Atwater and Stock 1998; Helenes and Carreño 1999; Case et al. 2002; Oskin and Stock 2003a; Riddle et al. 2000; Hafner and Riddle 2005; Lindell et al. 2006; Riddle and Hafner 2006). This contribution presents geological and climatological processes with the biological patterns they are hypothesized to create, under an explicit discussion of the timescales on which these phenomena occur. Geological processes are organized into three tiers (figure 2, table 1) based on the typical duration of the process. First-order processes fundamentally shape the landscape and take the longest to occur (>5 million years [Myr]). These processes involve plate tectonics...

Comparing physiographic maps with different categorisations

This paper addresses the need for a robust map comparison method suitable for finding similarities between thematic maps with different forms of categorisations. In our case, the requirement was to establish the information content of newly derived physiographic maps with regards to set of reference maps for a study area in England and Wales. Physiographic maps were derived from the 90m resolution SRTM DEM, using a suite of existing and new digital landform mapping methods with the overarching purpose of enhancing the physiographic unit component of the Soil and Terrain database (SOTER). Reference maps were seven soil and landscape datasets mapped at scales ranging from 1:200,000 to 1:5,000,000. A review of commonly used statistical methods for categorical comparisons was performed and of these, the Cramer’s V statistic was identified as the most appropriate for comparison of maps with different legends. Interpretation of multiple Cramer’s V values resulting from one-by-one comparisons of the physiographic and baseline maps was facilitated by multi-dimensional scaling and calculation of average distances between the maps. The method allowed for finding similarities and dissimilarities amongst physiographic maps and baseline maps and informed the recommendation of the most suitable methodology for terrain analysis in the context of soil mapping.

Physiography of the Sicilian region (1:250,000 scale)

Physiographic maps summarize and group the landforms of a territory into homogeneous areas in terms of kind and intensity of the main geomorphological process. These maps are often produced at semi-detailed scales, while examples at the regional scale are much less common. However, because the region is the main administrative level in Europe, physiographic maps can be very useful for land planning in many fields, such as ecological studies, risk maps, and soil mapping. This work presents a methodological example of a regional physiographic map, compiled at a 1:250,000 scale, representing the whole Sicilian region, the largest of the Mediterranean islands. The physiographic units were classified according to the geomorphological processes that were identified by stereo-interpretation of aerial photographs. In addition, information from other published maps, representing geomorphological landforms, eolian deposits, anthropic terraced slopes, and landslide were used to improve the accuracy and reliability of the map.