Application of Google Earth in Modern River Sedimentology Research

Abstract

Google Earth, a software based on satellite’s images and database of navigation, gains features of high resolution, integrated images, quick update, convenience, simpleness and free cost. Practice of this software shows that it plays an important role in mapping, construction and river research. Based on the fundamental features of Google Earth, this passage makes an introduction to its application in studying modern river sedimentology through the case study of the Yellow River. The results show that Google Earth satellite’s high-resolution images and image overlay functions make it easy for users to quickly navigate river, determine the type of river, track the river flows and measure the terrain slope; the software’s “Ruler” and “Add Path” functions make it easy for users to measure channel width, curvature, amplitude, wavelength, size, morphology of point-bar and other river parameters; the software’s “Historical Image” function has important significance in the study of modern river migration, sedimentary evolution and river geomorphological shape during different seasons.