Statistical Characterization of Altitude Matrices by Computer. Report 3. The Effect of Resolution on Gradients Calculated from an Altitude Matrix.
Abstract
A basic problem in geomorphometry is that any measurement varies with scale, i.e. with the extent of the area or line involved. Terrains cannot be compared if they have been analyzed at different scales. At present our knowledge of the variation of measurements with scale is inadequate for any decision on the spatial scale or scales at which comparison of terrains would be most meaningful. Hence further information on such variation is urgently required. The overall aim of this project is to produce compact and efficient techniques for geomorphometry from altitude matrices. There are no technical limitations on the application of such techniques to altitude matrices at any available scale, though at very coarse scales the curvature of the earth introduces map projection problems. Nor is there any great difficulty in generating such matrices. However, results do vary with scale and the possibility exists that in the real world certain scales of analysis are more meaningful than others. The question of scale therefore cannot be ignored in geomorphometry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA096650
Entities
People
- H. Lemons
- Ian S. Evans
Organizations
- Durham University