Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1996

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Geomorphology is one of the important information layers of natural resources. This study presents successfully the application of integrated Remote Sensing and GIS in geomorphologic mapping. The satellite images and topographic map were used as two layers in extraction of all possible aspects of information about relief. Digital image processing was applied to Landsat TM image to classify the geomorphologic units based on its relation with landcover categories. SPOT image was used in visual interpretation to distinguish the geomorphologic units in flat area. The topographic map was digitized to establish a DEM of study area, named Suoihai. Using this DEM, several morphometric maps were calculated using spatial analysis functions of IL WIS-a raster based GIS. A digital database of relief was built from these morphometric maps, such as slope, aspect, length of slope, horizontal dissection, vertical dissection, distance from drainage, etc. and other relative maps, such as geology. This database was used in geomorphologic mapping following a quantitative model. The model was established from detail pre-studies about geomorphology of the area and also the data collected from a field trip. The geomorphologic map at a scale of 1 :50,000 was established automatically by using this model. The geomorphologic map which was done by this method has acceptable accuracy and more detail in comparison with the conventional map. However, the further study is necessary to complete the method that can be applied effectively in time and cost for whole country.