Geomorphometric analysis of raster image data to detect terrain ruggedness and drainage density

Abstract

We present an approach to identify some geomorphometrical characteristics of raster geo-images. The identification involves the generation of raster layers, topographic ruggedness and drainage density. The topographic ruggedness is used to express the amount of elevation difference between adjacent cells of Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The topographic ruggedness is presented by means of Terrain Ruggedness Index (TRI). The densities layers are obtained by Spline Interpolation Method. These layers are used to represent the amount of geographic linear objects. The algorithm has been implemented into Geographical Information System (GIS) - ArcInfo, and applied for a GIS of Tamaulipas State, Mexico. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.