Geospatial Technologies for National Geomorphology and Lineament Mapping Project – A Case Study of Goa State

A three level classification system, based on the genesis of landforms, was used to map the geomorphology of the Goa state. The first level corresponds to the process that was responsible for landform generation, the second level or the intermediate level was assigned based on the morphography, and the third level corresponds to the individual landforms units identified based on the morphostructure. The mapping was carried out using IRS-P6 LISS-III (23.5 m) satellite image as the primary data source. Ancillary data such as geological map, topographic map, digital elevation model (DEM), field data collected by global positioning system (GPS) and web portals for image visualisation, were also used for the mapping purpose. A new software designed for mapping landforms based on the genesis, was used in this study to create a seamless geomorphology and lineament database of the Goa state in a GIS environment. A total of 58 landforms within six types of genetic classes were mapped in this area. Similarly, structural and geomorphic lineaments were also delineated using the satellite data. The database created has multi-purpose usability such as environmental studies, mining activity assessment, coastal zone management and wasteland development, since the classification system used is focused on processes, not theme specific.     

Satellite based mapping and morphogenetic analysis of the landforms in the tertiary fold belts of parts of Tripura,India

In the present study, satellite-based mapping and morphogenetic analysis of eastern part of Tripura has been attempted. Landforms are delineated based on conjugate analysis of satellite-imaged and satellite-derived digital elevation data. Further, landforms were classified based on hierarchical three-tier classification system where genesis is used as a criteria to classify the landforms in the first level followed by nature of their dissection and the geometric forms of the landform in second and third level, respectively. During the analysis, it has been observed that most of the landforms are structural in origin and their orientations are guided by the geological lineaments although the variations in the dissection pattern of the landforms are related to the changes in the underlying lithology. The implementation of quantitative analysis using hypsometric integral and ruggedness index of geomorphic parameters indicates that the landforms are immature but have been evolving towards maturity.     

滩涂数字地形模型的建模与应用

采用数字高程模型描述上海市滩涂地形,研究和设计了数字高程模型的数据结构,较好地解决了海量数据的存储、查询和检索问题,由此建立了多年的滩涂数字地形模型。在此基础上研究了滩涂地形分析方法,并在地理信息系统平台上开发了滩涂地形分析系统。试用结果表明,该系统数据结构合理、功能齐全、运行快速稳定,较好地满足了滩涂海塘管理工作的需要。     

Applicability of SRTM data for landform characterisation and geomorphometry: a comparison with contour-derived parameters

Abstract

Geomorphologic and hydrologic research heavily depends on digital elevation models (DEM) which are currently being prepared from digital contours. The present study examines the use and applicability of freely available global elevation data source (3 arc seconds finished Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)) in landform characterisation, geomorphometry, river basin studies and other allied scientific applications in comparison with contour elevation data derived from the surveyed topographical sheets. The relief data extracted from a conventionally digitised geo-information science dataset of topographic contours (1:50,000) are compared with the SRTM-DEM and the variations are analysed. The automated geomorphometric and landform parameters derived from the contour DEM and the computed statistical properties of those parameters have substantial agreement with the same parameters derived from the SRTM-DEM. At the same time, localised variations also exist in some spatial domains. Derivative landscape analysis outputs from the SRTM-DEM suggest the wide acceptability and applicability of the freely available SRTM data source, especially in the regional scale applications related to hydrological modelling, terrain characterisation, disaster management and land degradation studies.     

Problems of bias in mapping linear landforms from satellite imagery

Remotely sensed images are an important data source for the mapping of glacial landforms and the reconstruction of past glacial environments. However the results produced can differ depending on a wide range of factors related to the type of sensors used and the characteristics of the landforms being mapped. This paper uses a range of satellite imagery to explore the three main sources of variation in the mapped results: relative size, azimuth biasing and landform signal strength. Recommendations include the use of imagery illuminated with low solar elevation, although an awareness of the selective bias introduced by solar azimuth is necessary. Landsat ETM+ imagery meets the requirements for glacial landform mapping and is the recommended data source. However users may well have to consider alternative data in the form of SPOT, Landsat TM or Landsat MSS images. Digital elevation models should also be considered a valuable data source.     

Automatic Dem Generation for Antarctic Terrain

Automatic digital elevation model (DEM) generation has become an established technique within mapping agencies. This paper assesses the effectiveness of automatic DEM generation using area-based matching for glaciated terrain in Antarctica. DEM accuracy is assessed by comparison with check data acquired using analytical photogrammetry and independent field measurements.An optimum DEM collection strategy is identified. DEM success is linked to ground terrain type and it is found that areas of a DEM which can be collected successfully are relatively insensitive to changes in the collection strategy. A method of isolating unsuccessful areas of a DEM for manual editing is tested for Antarctic terrain. In this example, over 90% success is achieved in identifying erroneous DEM results measured against check data.     

Elevation models for reproducible evaluation of terrain representation

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes elevation models to promote, evaluate, and compare various terrain representation techniques. Our goal is to increase the reproducibility of terrain rendering algorithms and techniques across different scales and landscapes. We introduce elevation models of varying terrain types, available to the user at no cost, with minimal common data imperfections such as missing data values, resampling artifacts, and seams. Three multiscale elevation models are available, each consisting of a set of elevation grids, centered on the same geographic location, with increasing cell sizes and spatial extents. We also propose a collection of single-scale elevation models of archetypal landforms including folded ridges, a braided riverbed, active and stabilized sand dunes, and a volcanic caldera. An inventory of 78 publications with a total of 155 renderings illustrating terrain visualization techniques guided the selection of landform types in the elevation models. The benefits of using the proposed elevation models include straightforward comparison of terrain representation methods across different publications and better documentation of the source data, which increases the reproducibility of terrain representations.     

基于高分辨率DEM的地形特征提取与分析

地形特征是人们用于描述空间过程变化的重要指标,地形特征的提取是进行测绘、资源调查、环境保护、农林种植、城市规划、灾害防治及地学调查等地理空间相关研究的基础。本研究以宁明县为例,利用高精度DEM进行数字地形分析,实现了高效快速、客观准确地提取地形特征参数,为后续涉及空间信息的研究奠定了基础。     

我国区域地貌数字地形分析研究进展

区域地貌研究是区域地理研究不可分割的重要组成部分。传统的基于DEM的数字地形分析方法,虽能较好提取各种地形定量因子,但由于分析算法的局限,很难实现对一个特定区域地貌的宏观形态特征与成因机理进行定量的分析。为此,近年来我国学者在该领域进行了系统的探索与创新实践,基于国家基础地形数据库多尺度、高精度的DEM数据,开展了基于DEM的区域地貌形态特征、地貌发育演化特征的研究。通过宏观形态指标分析法、地形特征要素分析法、地形信息图谱分析法等一系列方法,实现了对区域的地貌形态特征提取与分类、分区制图,取得了一批有重要国际影响的研究成果。在全国尺度以及黄土高原、青藏高原、西南喀斯特地区和月表月貌的区域数字地形分析方面,更彰显出研究的特色和优势。     

输电线路的数字微地形自动提取方法

微地形是输电线路工程安全运行、电线积冰风险区划和线路建设期能耗计算等工作的重要基础,实现输电线路微地形的合理提取是复杂地形条件下电网工程建设的前提与保证。针对传统输电线路微地形提取存在决策知识模糊、主观因素影响大和缺少定量提取指标等问题,依据规程中微地形分类体系,提出了以地形位置指数、坡度、相对高程和水体距离为特征因子的组合表达输电线路微地形提取决策方案,利用数字地形分析技术建立了输电线路微地形自动提取方法。以2012—2018年某电网公司9条输电线路域栅格数字高程模型数据进行提取实验,实验结果与分析表明,所提方法能够有效提取垭口地形、高山地形、抬升地形、峡谷地形和水汽地形5类典型输电线路微地形,且揭示了微地形分布与线路灾害发生的相关性,可为电网建设可行性论证、线路精细化设计等提供技术支持。     

基于DEM的山地鞍部点分级提取方法

本文以地形起伏变化较大的陕北黄土丘陵沟壑区为例,通过流域边界线上高程相对低点的自动识别,实现基于DEM数据的地面鞍部点自动获取。实验结果显示,采用该方法所提取的地面鞍部点具有层次结构显著、提取精度高、操作简便、便于确定重要性等级及与山顶点空间关系等优点,对于DEM地形特征点簇的构建与分析具有重要意义。     

Glacial mapping using landsat thematic mapper data: A case study in parts of gangotri glacier, NW himalaya

Glacial mapping is difficult and hazardous because of the remoteness and inaccessibility of the terrain. In this context, remotely-sensed data from satellites provide valuable information on glaciers and the associated landforms. It is important to note that judicious selection of spectral bands is critical in mapping the glacial features. Glacial landforms in parts of Gangotri glacier, NW Himalaya, have been delineated using selected bands of Landsat Thematic Mapper Data. Digital image processing of Landsat data has helped in identifying the major features of the Gangotri glacier such as accumulation and ablation zones, and glacial moraines. The study shows that Thematic Mapper bands 4, 5 and 7 are more useful in snow mapping because of their distinct spectral discriminability in identifying the glacial features.     

GROUND CONTROL DETERMINATION FOR REGISTRATION OF SATELLITE IMAGERY USING DIGITAL MAP DATA

Work is reported on the production of terrain elevation data from SPOT imagery. An important step in this process is determination of exterior orientation parameters for the images. Although an initial estimate is available in the SPOT header, refinements are required based on plan and height data. These are generally derived from photogrammetric measurements (or sources such as global positioning satellite systems), but accurate manual determination is time consuming. This paper reports an alternative approach by investigating the use of existing map data (located on the earth's surface and in a known projection) to find corresponding “ground control points” in both map and image. Available maps may be in digital or paper form depending on the state of development of mapping in the part of the world being studied. The last revision date and the cartographic generalisation employed will also effect the fidelity of the final result. Practical semi-automatic techniques for determining the height of ground control points from existing map data are described, including multiple profiles through digitised contour data, a commercial terrain modelling package based on Delaunay triangulation and the use of triangulation points on prominent features. Comparisons between the methods are made and results obtained are compared with Institut Géographique National datasets and photogrammetric measurements. Methods for fully automating not only the height determination but also the location of ground control features within a map database are discussed. Map and image registration is described and illustrated using Laser-Scan's Rover software. Interactive and automated methods of registration are discussed.     

Automated delineation and characterization of drumlins using a localized contour tree approach

Drumlins are ubiquitous landforms in previously glaciated regions, formed through a series of complex subglacial processes operating underneath the paleo-ice sheets. Accurate delineation and characterization of drumlins are essential for understanding the formation mechanism of drumlins as well as the flow behaviors and basal conditions of paleo-ice sheets. Automated mapping of drumlins is particularly important for examining the distribution patterns of drumlins across large spatial scales. This paper presents an automated vector-based approach to mapping drumlins from high-resolution light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data. The rationale is to extract a set of concentric contours by building localized contour trees and establishing topological relationships. This automated method can overcome the shortcomings of previously manual and automated methods for mapping drumlins, for instance, the azimuthal biases during the generation of shaded relief images. A case study was carried out over a portion of the New York Drumlin Field. Overall 1181 drumlins were identified from the LiDAR-derived DEM across the study region, which had been underestimated in previous literature. The delineation results were visually and statistically compared to the manual digitization results. The morphology of drumlins was characterized by quantifying the length, width, elongation ratio, height, area, and volume. Statistical and spatial analyses were conducted to examine the distribution pattern and spatial variability of drumlin size and form. The drumlins and the morphologic characteristics exhibit significant spatial clustering rather than randomly distributed patterns. The form of drumlins varies from ovoid to spindle shapes towards the downstream direction of paleo ice flows, along with the decrease in width, area, and volume. This observation is in line with previous studies, which may be explained by the variations in sediment thickness and/or the velocity increases of ice flows towards ice front.     

Sketch-based Identification of Bench and Terrace Slope Breaks in the Laramie Basin, Wyoming

This study presents a semi‐automated approach to support the identification of fluvial landform slope breaks in the Laramie Basin, southeastern Wyoming. The landforms in question form the edges of terraces and benches and tend to be subtle and varied depending on where they appear in the landscape. Because of this variation combined with DEM error, conventional raster filtering methods were unable to readily identify the benches with any consistency. In an effort to automate the collection of benches, a two stage, sketch‐based algorithm was designed to detect bench edges on a semi‐automated basis and was integrated into a commercial GIS environment for testing and execution. The approach of tailoring an algorithm to detect a particular feature proved viable and, in fact, more consistent in many cases than heads‐up digitizing. However, feature complexity appears to be a significant driver in the accuracy of the algorithmic approach with the unlikely finding that more complex features are more accurately identified than less complex features. This research demonstrates that user cognition, DEM resolution, algorithm functionality and landform characteristics are thus all important and interrelated factors requiring consideration when implementing approaches to topographic feature identification.     

Image Sources for Informal Settlement Management

Informal settlements are a common feature of developing countries. In South Africa the improvement of living conditions in these settlements and the upgrading to formal housing types are regarded as being of central importance to the nation's development. Effective settlement improvement and upgrading activities, which we here term "management", require adequate spatial data. To date, the acquisition of spatial models of informal settlements has been based on conventional mapping techniques, and mostly on photogrammetry. Data are compiled using analogue or analytical methods. These are manual and hence require both considerable expertise and expensive equipment. Moreover, these methods are uneconomical over the often relatively small, densely populated areas covered by informal settlements and are also too expensive to employ with a regularity required to support such tasks as change detection. Alternative imaging sources and mapping techniques are therefore needed.
In this article we examine the problem of spatial information acquisition for informal settlement management from three perspectives: spatial information requirements, the role which imagery can play in satisfying these spatial information requirements, and effective imaging options. We focus on the potential of high resolution satellite imaging, small format digital aerial imagery and digital multispectral video systems for rapid mapping. We also discuss the example of automated shack extraction from aerial imagery.     

利用全站仪测量地形要素顶部特征点的方法

本文主要研究了全站仪在三维数字地形图测绘中的应用,获得三维地形图要素的底部特征点相当简单,关键是地形要素顶部特征点利用全站仪是怎样获取的,本文通过几种方法和对应的实测数据对这方面问题进行了研究和分析,最后得出全站仪测量三维数字地形图可行性.     

基于数字水深模型的水深浅点快速提取

针对目前手工作业选取水深浅点效率低、易发生遗漏等不足,本文以数字水深模型为基础对其进行地貌翻转,将水深浅点转化为洼点,利用水文流域模拟原理计算出相应区域的汇流累积量,结合邻域窗口最大值扫描获得汇水量极大值点,从而实现了水深浅点的快速、自动提取。汇流累积量夸大了局部地形变化,可更有效地提取潜在水深浅点,确保舰船安全。     

Remote sensing of alpine glaciers in visible and infrared wavelengths: a survey of advances and prospects

Remote sensing is an efficient tool for temporal monitoring of inaccessible alpine glacial terrain. This study discusses the methods of remote sensing in visible and infrared (IR) wavelengths, which are helpful in providing important information about alpine glaciers. The scope of this study covers recent advances and prospects in optical and thermal remote sensing of glacier facies, glacier velocity, mass balance, glacial hazards and automated mapping techniques. The technology is ever evolving with the advent of new remote sensors capturing data in visible/IR wavelengths and better digital computing technology. An extensive list of significant studies further helps the reader to explore a particular topic of interest. We survey recent advances in this field and additionally highlight the emerging prospects.