Martin Geilhausen

Cartography: Design, Symbolisation and Visualisation of Geomorphological Maps

Abstract Geomorphological maps are specific kind of thematic maps that use complex and illustrative symbolisation. Many different symbol sets, also referred to as legend or mapping systems, exist, each following different cartographic principles and focusing on different geomorphological aspects. Geomorphologists commonly use one of the existing symbol sets instead of creating their own symbols. We introduce the basic principles of cartographic design and map creation before we describe several symbol sets. It is worth understanding how symbol development, arrangement and map composition work in order to produce good geomorphological maps. The chapter continues with a review of practical issues of computer-assisted map creation using graphic and geographical information systems (GIS) software. This part includes brief comments on the creation of geomorphological symbols using a GIS. We conclude the chapter with an overview of different ways of map dissemination including maps on the Internet.

Spatial distribution of sediment storage types in two glacier landsystems (Pasterze & Obersulzbachkees, Hohe Tauern, Austria)

For the first time, geomorphological maps of the Obersulzbachkees (ca. 28 km2) and the Pasterze (ca. 39.7 km2) glacier landsystem at the catchment scale (1:10,000 and 1:12,500) are presented and the distribution of sediment storage types and (sub)recent sediment transfer processes are quantified and discussed. Special attention is drawn to the activity and function of sediment storages within the sediment cascade and on process (de)coupling of the sediment transfer systems. Glaciers cover ca. 50% of the landsystems and have retreated more than 1 km within the last six decades. The spatial distribution of sediment storage types delivers a record of the historical activity of the glaciers and the degree of sediment storage activity gives insights into the state of paraglacial landform adjustment. A typical landform assemblage is found in both landsystems. Moraine deposits are the dominant sediment storage type (coverage of ca. 3 km2 in both landsystems) and a significant source of (sub)recent sediment transfer. Deposits of reworked till account for ca. 4% of the total sediment coverage and paraglacial reworking is the main evolutionary factor for drift-mantled slopes with high activity in ice marginal and proximal locations (gully densities up to 3.7 per 100 metres of slope). With increasing distances from the glacier, the importance of paraglacial reworking decreases (gully density of 0.5 to 0.6). However, the contribution of paraglacial reworking to the overall sediment output is insignificant due to decoupling effects and till and debris are currently stored in both landsystems. The glacifluvial transport system is supply limited at the Obersulzbachkees and transport limited at the Pasterze. We consider the proglacial zone as a key control on sediment delivery from the glacier to the downstream fluvial system and hypothesize that the majority of sediment output from both landsystems is suspended load.

14.2 Fundamental Classic and Modern Field Techniques in Geomorphology: An Overview

Over the past three decades field techniques in geomorphology have evolved enormously. The advent of new technologies influenced even classic techniques such as mapping, because remote sensing, in combination with high-resolution digital elevation models, has significantly enhanced digital landform mapping and analysis. High-accuracy surveys of surface and subsurface structures using light detection and ranging (LiDAR), differential global positioning systems (DGPS), and geophysical techniques offer a wide range of challenges for geomorphological studies. Besides, field geophysics has become increasingly efficient to capture quantitative subsurface data and provides a better understanding of form–process relationships. This chapter introduces some classic and modern field techniques in a geomorphological context.

Deconstructed and Inverted Multi-Criteria Evaluation for On-The-Fly Scenario Development and Decision-Making (Short Paper).

We propose a variation of the conventional spatial multi-criteria evaluation workflow for suitability analysis that allows efficient on-the fly scenario development for decision-making. Our approach proposes to reconstruct the conventional MCE workflow in order to exclude computationally expensive geoprocessing from the iterative scenario development. We then introduce a procedure that replaces costly iterations of spatial operations with one off-line preprocessing step followed by iterations of much less computationally expensive database queries. We illustrate our approach for deconstructed and inverted multi-criteria analysis with a case study aiming at selecting suitable sites for wind turbines in the Swiss alps. 2012 ACM Subject Classification Information systems → Geographic information systems, Information systems → Data analytics, Information systems → Expert systems