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Terrain classification using (Geo-) morphographic maps
As mentioned introductory (see: "Terrain") the distribution of many geo factors (like: soil, climate, vegetation) is mainly dependent on the terrain. Furthermore the terrain often traces boundaries, like rock- and soil-boundaries. Classifying the terrain into geo ecologic relevant units (throughout morphographic maps) can give important hints concerning the distribution resp. mapping of soil, vegetation and rock, etc.
Morphographic maps are based only on Digital Terrain Models (DTM) being at hand for many areas throughout the world. Often they are available in high resolutions. Whenever other information (basic data) is missing the morphographic maps are the only option.
Usually morphographic maps consist of different combinations of "morphographic terrain units" with "local morphometric terrain factors" and/or "complex terrain factors". Combining morphographic terrain units (classified terrain shapes) with metric data of the terrain classification uses cluster analysis. Hereby manifold options can be combined. The selection of the terrain units and factors and clusters is usually realised by deduction due to the demands or the requirements of the clients.
In the following you find some "morphographic maps" as examples being produced exclusively by scilands GmbH:
Example: "Geomorphographic Map of Thuringia" (GMK25)
In 2002 scilands GmbH produced the GMK25 of Thuringia on commission of the "Thüringer Landesanstalt für Umwelt und Geologie(TLUG)" (State Office of Thuringia for Environment and Geology). Scilands GmbH also produced the DTM25 (Digital Terrain Model with grid cell size 25 m) being the basic data of the GMK25. The GMK25 shall support the producing of soil maps scaled 1 : 25.000. As in former projects (GMK1000 of Germany, GMK50 of Lower Saxony) the automatic classification of the grid cells was realised by cluster analysis. Previously the area was divided into different landscape sections (Thüringer Becken, Mesozoisches Bergland, Schiefergebirge und Thüringer Wald) (Basin of Thuringia, Mesozoic mountainous region, slate mountains and Thuringia Woods) which optimised the results of the terrain classification.
Down below this page there are examples (including images) out of the GMK25 of Thuringia.
Example: "Geomorphographic Map of Lower Saxony" (GMK50)
The GMK50 of Lower Saxony was produced in 2001 on commission of the Niedersächsisches Landesamt für Bodenforschung (NLfB), Hannover (Geological Survey of Lower Saxony) to produce, improve and correct the soil maps scaled 1 : 50.000. The corrected (de-rounded) comments: here) version of the so called DTM50 (Digital Terrain Model with grid cell size 50 m) of the "Landesvermessung und Geobasisinformation Niedersachsen (LGN)" (Land Surveying Office of Lower Saxony) was the data base of the GMK50. The GMK50 has 50 m resolution.
Due to the different formation of the terrain the area of Lower Saxony was divided in three different landscape units: mountain area , lowland and the Ostfriesisch-Ammerländische Geestrücken (sandy upland of Eastern Frisia ). This helped optimising the cluster analysis. The lowlands and flat areas (like: valley grounds, lower pleistocene river terraces, low moors) are in exceptional position because morphometrically they look quite alike in the entire area. The landscape classification is based on the morphometric factor "altitude above sea level" and relief intensity as well as on pedologic and geologic maps. The morphographic terrain units of category 1 (bottom areas, summit areas and slopes) are the chief arrangement of the GMK. In accordance to the terrain units (see above) the morphographic terrain units are combined with the morphommetric terrain factors "altitude above sea level", "slope gradient" and "altitude above channel lines" via cluster analysis.
Down below this page there is an example (including images) out of the GMK50 of Lower Saxony.
Example: "Geomorphographic Map of Germany" (GMK1000)
It is not possible to show images of the GMK1000 of Germany (grid cell size 250 m) so far which is due to administrative vagueness being not in our sphere of authority. We hope it may be changed soon.
Geomorphographic maps
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Section (1) out of the Geomorphographic Map of Thuringia (GMK25) shows a section of the "Mesozoischen Bergland" (Mesozoic mountain region) in north-west Thuringia in the range of the huge Triassic cuesta (benchland). This builds up the prominent mountain range of "Hainleite", "Dün" and "Hainich". The passage from the "Hainleite" (western) to the "Dün" (southeast) with the outlier (relict mountain) is visible on this image section. |
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Section (2) out of the Geomorphographic Map of Thuringia (GMK25) In the central area of Thuringia is the huge basin "Thüringer Becken" (Thuringia basin). The south western part of the basin is shown where a Triassic upbulge ("Fahnersche Höhe" west of Erfurt) butts in the flat loess covered dell. |
Example of use: Supporting the production and improvement of soil maps |
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Section out of the Geomorphographic Map of Lower Saxony (GMK50) This section shows part of the "Niedersächsisches Bergland" (mountain region of Lower Saxony) in the contact zone to the "Norddeutschen Tiefland" (lowland of northern Germany). In the south east of the section is a part of the "Harz" mountain which is surrounded by amply structured cuesta landscape. |
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Example of use: Supporting the production and improvement of soil maps |
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Geomorphographic map (GMK5) of the testing estate "Schleyern" Another example of the geomorphic maps of the "oberbayrisches Tertiärhügelland" (Bavarian Tertiary hill country) created by cluster analysis. This map was produced on behalf of Dr. Michael Sommer (GSF/FAM). |
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Example of use: Site assessment to use in "precision farming" |
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