Local terrain factors - scilands GmbH

Calculation of the local terrain factors is based on the altitude values (grid cells) and on the altitude value of the direct neighbours (normally the 8 neighbouring cells).

The local terrain factors are almost exclusively the basic data to more complex analysis concerning the terrain and the products "Soil", "Climate", "Water", etc.

We want to point out that the use of maps concerning the slope gradients or aspect should not to be used in questions about erosivity or microclimate (there exists better parameters). Among other things we offer specific analysis in the subjects just mentioned (compare: "Complex Terrain Factors").

In the following you will find some examples concerning the morphometric terrain factors. The calculation (calculated values) relate to one respectively grid cell (presented by an altitude value) of the Digital Terrain Model (DTM).

Preview/ download	Terrain factors/comments

	Slope angle (synonym to inclination and slope gradient) inclination of the earth's surface The slop angle is mostly indicated in "degree" (total angle = 360°), "Gon" (total angle = 400°), percent or arcus.
Example of use: elementary terrain factor to analysis concerning the terrain (like: soil erosion)

	Aspect (synonym to slope direction) direction of the strongest inclination of the earth's surface The aspect is indicated as the angle of deviation (clockwise) of the geographic north in "degree" (total angle = 360°) or "Gon" (total angle = 400°)
Example of use: elementary terrain factor to analysis concerning the terrain (like: microclimate)

	Convergence/Divergence Index behaviour of the run-off on the earth's surface
Example of use: important terrain factor to analyses which matter in the behaviour of the run-off (like: hydrology processes, erosion, soil wetness)

	Vertical curvature (synonym to vertical bending, arching) Classified demonstration of the earth' surface curvature (bulge) in direction of aspect (slope direction)
Example of use: specially in the past used to terrain classification

	Plan curvature (synonym to plan bending, arching) Unclassified demonstration of the earth' surface curvature (bulge) across the direction of aspect (slope direction)
Example of use: specially in the past used to terrain classification