Geomorphometry
Concepts, Software, Applications

Ideal resource for all Digital Elevation Model (DEM) users

Tomislav Hengl (Edited by), Hannes I. Reuter (Edited by)

9780123743459, Elsevier Science

Hardback, published 17 October 2008

796 pages
24 x 16.5 x 4 cm, 1.624 kg

Geomorphometry is the science of quantitative land-surface analysis. It draws upon mathematical, statistical, and image-processing techniques to quantify the shape of earth's topography at various spatial scales. The focus of geomorphometry is the calculation of surface-form measures (land-surface parameters) and features (objects), which may be used to improve the mapping and modelling of landforms to assist in the evaluation of soils, vegetation, land use, natural hazards, and other information.

This book provides a practical guide to preparing Digital Elevation Models (DEM) for analysis and extracting land-surface parameters and objects from DEMs through a variety of software. It further offers detailed instructions on applying parameters and objects in soil, agricultural, environmental and earth sciences. This is a manual of state-of-the-art methods to serve the various researchers who use geomorphometry.

Soil scientists will use this book to further learn the methods for classifying and measuring the chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils and gain a further understaing of the role of soil as a natural resource. Geologists will find value in the instruction this book provides for measuring the physical features of the soil such as elevation, porosity, and structure which geologists use to predict natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and flooding.

I - Concepts
Geomorphometry: a brief guide
Mathematical and digital models of the land surface
DEM production methods and sources
Preparation of DEMs for geomorphometric analysis
Geostatistical simulation and error propagation in geomorphometry
Basic land-surface parameters
Land-surface parameters and objects in hydrology
Land-surface parameters specific to topo-climatology
Landforms and landform elements in geomorphometry

II - Software
Overview of software packages used in geomorphometry
Geomorphometry in ESRI packages
Geomorphometry in SAGA
Geomorphometry in ILWIS
Geomorphometry in LandSerf
Geomorphometry in MicroDEM
Geomorphometry in TAS GIS
Geomorphometry in GRASS GIS
Geomorphometry in RiverTools

III - Applications
Geomorphometry ? a key to landscape mapping and modelling
Soil mapping applications
Vegetation mapping applications
Geomorphometry and spatial hydrologic modelling
Applications in meteorology
Applications in geomorphology
Applications in Precision Agriculture
Modelling mass movements and landslide susceptibility
Automated predictive mapping of ecological entities
The future of geomorphometry

Subject Areas: Agriculture & farming [TV], Soil science, sedimentology [RBGB]