Geomorphology, soil science and remote sensing are closely related fields of enquiry through their common interest in the five state-factors of environmental systems: climate, organisms, relief, parent material, and time. Remote sensing, from aerial photography to satellite imagery, constitutes a powerful tool for improving accuracy and precision of extensive large-scale geomorphological surveys, making it possible to investigate previously untestable ideas. Remote sensing is transforming geomorphology into a more global science, and it is influencing the development of environmental policy with respect to geomorphological problems. An instructive example is the evolution of remote sensing applications to terrain analysis in British Columbia over the past 25 years. Applications of geomorphology to land management, resource development planning, land use planning and project planning as well as natural hazards policy are illustrated.
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