CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Blundon, P.; Bell, T.; Batterson, M.; and Liverman, D.
Date : 2009.
Title : -An evaluation of SRTM digital elevation data for glacial landform mapping in Newfoundland, Canada.
Publication : CANQUA–CGRG Biennial Meeting. May 3-8, 2009. Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Campus, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Issue : Programme and Abstracts Volume.
Page(s) : 42.
Abstract
The availability of Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation models (DEMs) has the potential to revolutionize glacial landform mapping and eliminate many of the shortcomings of more traditional methods (aerial photograph interpretation). Although widely used, there has been limited testing of its suitability for such an application. This presentation describes a comparative study of landform mapping from northeast Newfoundland, Canada, using aerial photographs and SRTM DEMs. It forms part of a larger study aimed at identifying sectors of fast flow (ice streams) within the former Newfoundland Ice Cap. The study assessed the amount and type of overlap between derived landform data and explored systematic mapping biases that may negatively affect data quality. Results indicated that interpretation from 1:50,000 aerial photographs produced the most detailed landform maps. This was likely the result of large differences in scale between mapping sources (=10 m for aerial photographs and 90 m for SRTM DEMs), which allowed detection of more subtle landforms on aerial photographs. The SRTM data permitted identification of larger-scale landforms, particularly ribbed moraine. Analysis of landform distribution and surficial geology provided similar results for the two datasets: mapped landform concentrations were highest in areas of thick till and lower in till veneer and bedrock. Although the final landform maps were not as detailed, SRTM DEMs were successful in the identification of regional ice-flow trends and landform patterns. Landform mapping from SRTM DEMs was slightly improved when conducted in tandem with aerial photograph interpretation, particularly for flow parallel landforms (flutes and crag-and-tail hills). The use of multiple illumination angles avoided biasing in the mapping of linear features, while the integration supplemental data, such as bedrock and surficial geology improved overall mapping quality. Although lacking the finer detail of aerial photographs, the efficiencies offered by SRTM DEMs for reconnaissance landform mapping are confirmed.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology