3.11 Geovisualization

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Abstract

Geovisualization involves the depiction of spatial data in an attempt to facilitate the interpretation of observational and simulated datasets through which Earth's surface and solid Earth processes may be understood. Numerous techniques can be applied to imagery, digital elevation models, and other geographic information system data layers to explore for patterns and depict landscape characteristics. Given the rapid proliferation of remotely sensed data and high-resolution digital elevation models, the focus is on the visualization of satellite imagery and terrain morphology, where manual human interpretation plays a fundamental role in the study of geomorphic processes and the mapping of landforms. A treatment of some techniques is provided that can be used to enhance satellite imagery and the visualization of the topography to improve landform identification as part of geomorphological mapping. Visual interaction with spatial data is an important part of exploring and understanding geomorphological datasets, and a variety of methods exist ranging across simple overlay, panning and zooming, 2.5D, 3D, and temporal analyses. Specific visualization outputs are also covered that focus on static and interactive methods of dissemination. Geomorphological mapping legends and the cartographic principles for map design are discussed, followed by details of dynamic web-based mapping systems that allow for greater immersive use by end users and the effective dissemination of data.

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Mike J. Smith received a BS (Hons.) in geography from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, an MS degree in geography from the University of British Columbia, and a PhD degree in paleo-glaciology from the University of Sheffield. He is currently a senior lecturer in GIS in the School of Geography, Geology and the Environment at Kingston University, where he contributes to bachelor and masters programs on the application of remote sensing in the geosciences. His research interests are based on the application of digital elevation models in geomorphology and specifically focused upon the visualization and geomorphometric modeling of glacial landscapes. Recent interests also include field spectroscopy of loess. He is the founder and editor of the Journal of Maps.

John K. Hillier received BA and MS degrees in Natural Sciences (Geology) from the University of Cambridge, and a PhD degree in Marine Geophysics from the University of Oxford. He was awarded a research fellowship at St. Catharine's College Cambridge and has worked for Zurich Insurance as a catastrophe modeler. He is currently a lecturer at Loughborough University, with research interests in geohazards and quantitative geomorphology. Recent interests include drumlin formation, volcano formation, evolution of oceanic tectonic plates, and the correlation between natural perils.

Jan-Christoph Otto has studied Geography, Geology, and Soil Science at the Universities of Bonn and Grenoble. He received his Diploma and PhD in Geography from the University of Bonn.

He is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Salzburg, within the Geomorphology and Environmental Systems Research Group. His main research interests include landscape change in high-mountain environments with special focus on sediment budgets and the dynamics and consequences of permafrost changes in mountain areas. His recent interests include the creation of digital geomorphological maps and the combination of high-resolution surface and subsurface data using GIS technology.

Martin Geilhausen studied Geography at the University of Bonn and received a diploma investigating fluvial and glacial deposits using geophysics. After working for a geoinformation company, where he developed webGIS and web-mapping applications, he enrolled as a PhD student in the Department of Geography and Geology, University of Salzburg (Geomorphology and Environmental Systems Research Group). His research involves the quantification of recent and postglacial sediment dynamics in glacier fore-fields, Austrian Alps. Martin is applying a suite of field techniques ranging from fluvial erosion measurement and geophysics (ground penetrating radar, seismic refraction, and resistive tomography) to terrestrial laser scanning.

Smith, M.J., Hillier, J.K., Otto, J.-C., Geilhausen, M. 2013. Geovisualization. In: Shroder, J. (Editor in Chief), Bishop, M.P. (Ed.), Treatise on Geomorphology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, vol. 3, Remote Sensing and GIScience in Geomorphology, pp. 299–325.

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