Abstract
The scientific discipline of geomorphology is concerned with the processes that act upon and shape the Earth’s surface to create physical landscapes. Maps have a very specific utility within this domain as they allow a spatial representation of shapes (or landforms), their material composition, age and the processes that formed them. From the creation of the very first geomorphological maps in the early 1900s, there has been continual development and increased sophistication in the representation of complex datasets. The implementation of geographical information systems, integrated with the widespread availability of satellite imagery and digital elevation models has enabled much greater application across a range of disciplines beyond geomorphology, notably in natural hazard evaluation, disaster response assessment, insurance, infrastructure planning , civil engineering and engineering geology . This chapter provides a brief outline of the development of cartographic techniques where the primary purpose is to provide maps of geomorphology that have met the requirements of different end-users. Initially this involved standard approaches of field mapping and drafting of hardcopy maps but has now developed into the use of much more sophisticated methods of digital data collection and management. This has resulted in significant growth in the use of geomorphological maps, and recognition of their wider societal significance. Whilst geomorphology, by definition, refers to mapping of the Earth’s surface, there is increasing use of mapping techniques on planetary bodies across the solar system. The horizons for geomorphological mapping clearly continue to expand and this chapter concludes with a discussion on the future challenges and opportunities within the subject.
Keywords
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsReferences
Balme, M. R., Bargery, A. S., Gallagher, C. J., & Gupta, S. (Eds.). (2011). Martian geomorphology (p. 356). London: Geological Society, Special Publications.
Baltsavias, E. P. (1999). Airborne laser scanning: basic relations and formulas. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 54, 199–214.
Barrand, N. E., Murray, T., James, T. D., Barr, S. L., & Mills, J. P. (2009). Optimising glacier DEMs for volume change assessment using laser-scanning derived ground control points. Journal of Glaciology, 55(189), 106–116.
Boike, J., & Yoshikawa, K. (2003). Mapping of periglacial geomorphology using kite/balloon aerial photography. Permafrost and Periglacial Processes, 14, 81–85.
Brunsden, D., Doornkamp, J. C., Fookes, P. G., Jones, D. K. C., & Kelly, J. M. N. (1975). Large scale geomorphological mapping and highway engineering design. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 8, 227–253.
BSI. (1981). BS 5930: Code of practice for site investigations. London: British Standards Institution.
Burnett, A. D., & Styles, K. A. (1985). Geotechnical area studies programme and land use planning in Hong Kong. Planning and Development, 1(2), 321–340.
Burnett, A. D., & Styles, K. A. (1986). A review of the reliability of an engineering geological mapping system used for the delineation of landslide prone terrain in Hong Kong. In S. Wang (Ed.), Engineering geological problems in Asia (pp. 321–340). Beijing: Science Press.
Carr, M. H. (1983). Stability of streams and lakes on Mars. Icarus, 56, 476–495.
Carrara, A., Bitelli, G., & Carla, R. (1997). Comparison of techniques for generating digital terrain models from contour lines. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 11, 451–473.
Chandler, J. H., Fryer, J. G., & Jack, A. (2005). Metric capabilities of low-cost digital cameras for close range surface measurement. Photogrammetric Record, 20(109), 12–26.
Cheng, W., Zhou, C., Chai, H., Zhao, S., Liu, H., & Zhou, Z. (2011). Research and compilation of the Geomorphologic Atlas of the People’s Republic of China (1:1,000,000). Journal of Geographical Sciences, 21(1), 89–100.
Chorley, R. J., Schumm, S. A., & Sugden, D. E. (1985). Geomorphology. Routledge: Kegan and Paul.
Close, M. H. (1867). Notes on the general glaciation of Ireland. Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of London, 1, 207–242.
Cooke, R. U., & Doornkamp, J. C. (1990). Geomorphology in environmental management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Craddock, R. A., & Howard, A. D. (2002). The case for rainfall on a warm, wet early Mars. Journal of Geophysical Research (Planets), 107, 5111.
Dearman, W. R., & Fookes, P. G. (1974). Engineering geological mapping for civil engineering practice in the United Kingdom. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 7, 223–256.
Demek, J. (Ed.). (1972). Manual of detailed geomorphological mapping. Prague: Academia.
Demek, J., & Embleton, C. (Eds.). (1978). Guide to medium-scale geomorphological mapping. Stuttgart: International Geographical Union.
DeOliveira, F. A., & Vieira, C. V. (2009). Semi-detailed geomorphological map of northeastern Santa Catarina State, Brazil—The Garuva sheet. Journal of Maps, 5, 66–74.
Doornkamp, J. C. (Ed.). (1988). Planning and development: Applied earth science background—Torbay. Nottingham: M1 Press.
Doornkamp, J. C., Brunsden, D., Cooke, R. U., Jones, D. K. C., & Griffiths, J. S. (1987). Environmental geology mapping—An international review. In M. G. Culshaw (Ed.), Planning and engineering geology (pp. 215–220). Engineering Geology Special Publication. London: Geological Society.
Doornkamp, J. C., Brunsden, D., Jones, D. K. C., & Cooke, R. U. (1980). Geology, geomorphology and pedology of Bahrain. Norwich: GeoBooks.
Doornkamp, J. C., Brunsden, D., Jones, D. K. C., Cooke, R. U., & Bush, P. R. (1979). Rapid geomorphological assessments for engineering. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 12, 189–204.
Evans, I. S. (1972). General geomorphometry, derivatives of altitude and descriptive statistics. In R. J. Chorley (Ed.), Spatial analysis in geomorphology (pp. 17–90). New York: Harper and Row.
Fenneman, N. M. (1928). Physiographic divisions of the United States. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 18: end folding map.
Fookes, P. G. (1997). Geology for engineers: The geological model, prediction and performance. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 30, 293–424.
Forster, A., Hobbs, P. R. N., Wyatt, R. J., & Entwisle, D. C. (1987). Environmental geology maps of Bath and the surrounding area for engineers and planners. Geological Society Engineering Geology Special Publication, 4, 221–235.
Glasser, N. F., & Jansson, K. N. (2008). The glacial map of southern South America. Journal of Maps, 4, 175–196.
Gousie, M. B., & Franklin, W. R. (2005). Augmenting grid-based contours to improve thin-plate DEM generation. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 71(1), 67–79.
Griffiths, J. S. (2001). Development of a ground model for the UK Channel Tunnel portal. In J. S. Griffiths (Ed.), Land surface evaluation for engineering practice (Vol. 18, pp. 129–133). Geological Society Engineering Geology Special Publication.
Griffiths, J. S., & Marsh, A. (1986). BS5930: The role of geomorphological and geological techniques in a preliminary site investigation. In A. B. Hawkins (Ed.), Site investigation practice: Assessing BS5930 (pp. 261–267). Engineering Geology Special Publication. London: Geological Society.
Griffiths, J. S., & Stokes, M. (2008). Engineering geomorphological input to ground models: A possible approach based on earth systems. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 41, 1–19.
Griffiths, J.S., & Abraham, J. (2008). Factors affecting the use of applied geomorphological maps to communicate to different end-users. Journal of Maps, 4, 201–210.
Hammond, E. H. (1954). A geomorphic study of the cape region of Baja California. University of California Publications in Geography, 10, 50.
Hearn, G. J. (1997). Overseas road note 16: Principles of low cost road engineering in mountainous roads (p. 149). Berkshire: Transport Research Laboratory.
Hearn, G. J. (2011). Slope engineering for mountain roads. Geological Society of London.
Hearn, G. J., & Blong, R. (2001). Landslide hazard for the Ok Tedi Mine in Papua New Guinea. In: J. S. Griffiths (Ed.), Land surface evaluation for engineering practice (Vol. 18, pp. 143–150). Geological Society Engineering Geology Special Publication.
Hengl, T., & Reuter, H. I. (2008). Geomorphometry: Concepts, software, applications. Amsterdam: Elsevier.
Heritage, G., & Large, A. (2009). Laser scanning for the environmental sciences. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.
Hodge, R., Brasington, J., & Richards, K. S. (2009). In situ characterization of grain-scale fluvial morphology using terrestrial laser scanning. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34, 954–968.
International Association of Engineering Geology. (1976). Engineering geological maps: A guide to their preparation. Paris: The UNESCO Press.
International Geographical Union. (1968). The unified key to the detailed geomorphological map of the World 1:25,000–1:50,000. Part I. Problems of the detailed geomorphological map, by Klimaszewski, M. Part II. Project of the unified key to the detailed geomorphological map of the World, by Bashenina, N. V., Gellert, J. Jolly, F. et al. Commission on Applied Geomorphology, Subcommission on Geomorphological Mapping, Folia Geographica, Series Geographica-Physica 2, Krakow.
Jones, D. K. C. (2001). Ground conditions and hazards: Suez City development, Egypt. In: J. S. Griffiths (Ed.), Land surface evaluation for engineering practice (Vol. 18, pp. 159–170). Geological Society Engineering Geology Special Publication.
Klimaszewski, M. (1956). The principles of the geomorphological map of Poland. Przeglad Geograficzny, 28(suppl), 32–40.
Kraak, M.-J., & Ormeling, F. (2010). Cartography: Visualisation of spatial data (3rd ed.). Harlow, Essex: Prentice Hall.
Laliberte, A. S., Herrick, J. E., Rango, A., & Winters, C. (2010). Acquisition, orthorectification, and object-based classification of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery for rangeland monitoring. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing, 76(6), 661–672.
Lee, E. M. (2001). Geomorphological mapping. In J. S. Griffiths (Ed.), Land surface evaluation for engineering practice (Vol. 18, pp. 53–56). Geological Society Engineering Geology Special Publication.
Lee, E. M., & Moore, R. (1989). Report on the study of landsliding in and around Luccombe Village. Department of the Environment, HMSO.
Lewis, G. M. (1962). Changing emphases in the description of the natural environment of the American Great Plains area. Transactions of the Institute of British Geographers, 30, 75–90.
Lohani, B., & Mason, D. C. (2001). Application of airborne scanning laser altimetry to the study of tidal channel geomorphology. ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 56, 100–120.
Lundin, K., Cooper, M., & Ynnerman, A. (2008). Haptic interaction with dynamic volumetric data. IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics, 14(2), 263–276.
Maas, H.-G., Dietrich, D., Schwalbe, E., Bäßler, M., & Westfeld, P. (2006). Analysis of the motion behaviour of Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier in Greenland by monocular image sequence analysis. International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XXXVI(5), 179–183.
Miller, C. L., & LaFlamme, R. A. (1958). The digital terrain model—Theory and application. Photogrammetric Engineering, 24, 433–442.
Mitchell, H. (2007). Fundamentals of photogrametry. In J. Fryer, H. Mitchell, & J. Chandler (Eds.), Applications of 3D measurement from images (pp. 9–40). Dunbeath: Whittles Publishing.
Monkhouse, F. J., & Wilkinson, H. R. (1971). Maps and diagrams. London: Routledge.
Nekum, G., Jaumann, R., the HRSC Co-investigator Team, et al. (2004). Recent and episodic volcanic and glacial activity on Mars revealed by the high resolution stereo camera. Nature, 432, 971–979.
Otto, J.-C., Gustavsson, M., & Geilhausen, M. (2011). Cartography: Design, symbolisation and visualisation of geomorphological maps. In M. J. Smith, P. Paron, & J. Griffiths (Eds.), Geomorphological mapping: Methods and applications. London: Elsevier.
Pain, C. F., Paron, P., & Smith, M. J. (2008). Applied geomorphological mapping (AppGeMa): A working group of the International Association of Geomorphologists. Geophysical Research Abstracts, 10, EGU2008-A-05888.
Palmann, C., Mavromatis, M., Sequeira, J., & Brisco, B. (2008). Earth observation using radar data: An overview of applications and challenges. International Journal of Digital Earth, 1, 171–195.
Paron, P., & Claessens, L. (2011). Makers and users of geomorphological maps. In M. J. Smith, P. Paron, & J. Griffiths (Eds.), Geomorphological mapping: Methods and applications. London: Elsevier.
Passarge, S. (1912). Physiologische Morphologie. Mitteilungen der Geographischen Gesellschaft Hamburg, 26, 135–337.
Porcher, M., & Guillope, P. (1979). Cartography des risqué ZERMOS appliqués a des plans d’occupation des sols en Normandie. Bulletin Mason Laboratoire des Ponts et Chaussees, 99, 43–54.
Powell, J. W. (1896). The physiography of the United States. New York: National Geographic Society.
Report by the Geological Society Engineering Group Working Party. (1972). The preparation of maps and plans in terms of engineering geology. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 5, 293–382.
Robinson, G. D., & Spieker, A. M. (1978). Nature to be commanded. USGS Professional Paper 950.
Ronca, L. B. (1972). The geomorphic evolution of the lunar surface. In S. K. Runcorn & H. C. Urey (Eds.), The Moon, International Astronomical Union (pp. 43–54). Dordrecht: Reidel.
Rose, J., & Smith, M. J. (2008). Glacial geomorphological maps of the Glasgow region, western central Scotland. Journal of Maps, 4, 399–416.
Savigear, R. A. G. (1965). A technique of morphological mapping. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 53, 514–538.
Sharp, R. P. (1967). Geomorphology in the space age. Engineering and Science, 31, 61–63.
Smith, A., & Ellison, R. A. (1999). Applied geological maps for planning and development: A review of examples from England and Wales, 1983 to 1996. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology, 32, S1–S44.
Smith, L. C. (2002). Emerging applications of interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) in geomorphology and hydrology. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 92, 385–398.
Smith, M. J. (2005). The Journal of Maps: An electronic journal for the presentation and dissemination of map based data. Journal of Maps, 1, 1–6.
Smith, M. J., Chandler, J., & Rose, J. (2009). High spatial resolution data acquisition for the geosciences: Kite aerial photography. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 34, 155–161.
Smith, M. J., Griffiths, J., & Paron, P. (Eds.). (2011). Geomorphological mapping: Methods and applications. Developments in earth surface processes. London: Elsevier.
Smith, M. J., & Pain, C. (2009). Applications of remote sensing in geomorphology. Progress in Physical Geography, 33(4), 568–582.
Styles, K. A., Hansen, A., Dale, M. J., & Burnett, A. D. (1984). Terrain classification methods for development planning in and geotechnical appraisal: A Hong Kong case study. In Proceedings of the 4th international symposium on landslides, pp. 561–569.
Towner, N. C., Eakin, C., Conway, S. J., & Harrison, S. (2011). Geologically recent flow inferred in channel systems in the NE Sulci Gorddii region, Mars. In M. R. Balme, A. S. Bargery, C. J. Gallagher, & S. Gupta (Eds.), Martian geomorphology (Vol. 356, pp. 229–256). Geological Society, London, Special Publications.
Verstappen, H. T. (2011). Old and new trends in geomorphological and landform mapping. In M. J. Smith, P. Paron, & J. Griffiths (Eds.), Geomorphological mapping: Methods and applications. London: Elsevier.
Waller, A., & Phipps, P. (1996). Terrain systems mapping and geomorphological studies for the Channel Tunnel rail link. In C. Craig (Ed.), Advances in site investigation practice (pp. 25–38). London: Thomas Telford.
Ynnerman, A. (2010). Visualizing the medical data explosion [Online video]. http://www.ted.com/talks/anders_ynnerman_visualizing_the_medical_data_explosion.html. Last accessed: Aug 27, 2015.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Smith, M.J., Griffiths, J.S. (2017). Physical Landscapes. In: Brunn, S., Dodge, M. (eds) Mapping Across Academia. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1011-2_2
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-024-1011-2_2
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-024-1009-9
Online ISBN: 978-94-024-1011-2
eBook Packages: Earth and Environmental ScienceEarth and Environmental Science (R0)