14.10 Topographic Field Surveying in Geomorphology

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Abstract

Measurement of landscape form is a fundamental technique for geomorphologists. A range of surveying equipment is available, with this chapter focussing on the common surveying systems encountered by researchers and students, namely engineer's/auto level, electronic distance meter, total station, and terrestrial laser scanner. The choice of which type of instrument is to be used in the field will depend on: (1) the accuracy required; (2) field conditions; (3) reliability of benchmarks; (4) instrument ruggedness; and (5) facilities for post-field data analysis. This chapter is not a substitute for a professional surveying degree, but aims to outline the basic principles of surveying for a geomorphological audience.

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David is a geomorphologist who specializes in the response coastal systems to climatic and environmental change. He particularly focuses on the Holocene, researching estuarine, coral reef, and rocky coast landforms. He completed his doctoral study at the University of Wollongong, Australia under the guidance of Prof. Colin Woodroffe following undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney, Australia. After a postdoctoral research position at Wollongong, he was based at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He is currently a senior lecturer in the Department of Resource Management and Geography at The University of Melbourne, Australia.

Kennedy, D.M., 2013. Topographic field surveying in geomorphology. In: Shroder, J. (Editor in Chief), Switzer, A.D., Kennedy, D.M. (Eds.), Treatise on Geomorphology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, vol. 14, Methods in Geomorphology, pp. 110–118.

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