Improvements in 3-D digital mapping for geomorphological and Quaternary geological cartography

摘要

In recent decades, GIS tools have been directly applied tophoto-interpretative geomorphological and geological mapping. Although thesetools are powerful and effective tools in the creation of digital maps, itis often very difficult to obtain a correct recognition of the nature andboundaries of geomorphological landforms using two-dimensional images. Inaddition, the output typically requires some improvements, usually by meansof field verifications or using oblique field photographs. The aim of thispaper is to present the ArcGDS™ tool, which allows the directexploitation, visualization and digitization of stereoscopic digital linearscanned images (e.g. digital image strips, ?swisstopo). Throughtwo case studies, we show how 3-D digital mapping makes it possible toproduce Quaternary geological and geomorphological maps with a limitedcomplementary fieldwork approach and to provide a quantitative assessment ofsurface deformations through the acquisition of precise elevationcoordinates. Combined with high-resolution digital elevation models,ArcGDS™ is a powerful tool, particularly over large areas, as well asunder forest cover and on very steep slopes.