Abstract

Using Curvature to Enhance Geomorphic Features in Cartographic Displays
Track: Cartography and Map Production
Author(s): Patrick Kennelly

Planimetric and profile curvature are often used in geomorphic analyses of terrain. Practitioners, however, have not focused on how to best incorporate results into cartographic landform displays. This study illustrates how curvature can be used in conjunction with hill shading to enhance topographic detail. Hill shaded displays combined with curvature enhance the continuity of naturally occurring edges, especially in strongly illuminated areas. Variations in planimetric and profile curvature are especially effective at highlighting drainages and edges of geologic units, respectively. These effects are illustrated on terrain maps of Mauna Kea, Hawaii and the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Patrick Kennelly
Long Island University
Dept. of Earth & Environmental Science
720 Northern Blvd.
Brookville , New York 11548
United States
Phone: 516.299.2652
E-mail: Patrick.Kennelly@liu.edu