Multi-scale relief model (MSRM): a new algorithm for the visualization of subtle topographic change of variable size...

Area of Science:

• Geomorphology
• Remote Sensing
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Background:

• Traditional landform analysis relies on imagery, often limited by environmental conditions and lack of topographical data.
• Digital Surface Models (DSMs) offer topographical information but are typically high-resolution, costly, and limited to small areas.
• Existing methods hinder widespread geomorphological analysis and mapping.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel algorithm, the multi-scale relief model (MSRM), for visual landform interpretation using DSMs.
• To develop a method that overcomes the limitations of traditional imagery and high-resolution DSMs for geomorphological analysis.
• To provide a tool for large-scale landform mapping applicable to various DSM resolutions.

Main Methods:

• Development of the multi-scale relief model (MSRM) algorithm for processing DSMs.
• Application of MSRM to extract landform morphology from both high- and low-resolution DSMs.
• Testing the algorithm on the Sutlej-Yamuna interfluve, mapping palaeoriver channels using MSRM.

Main Results:

• The MSRM algorithm successfully extracts landform morphology from diverse DSM resolutions.
• It allows the use of readily available, medium-resolution global datasets (SRTM, ASTER GDEM, ALOS, TanDEM-X).
• Over 10,000 km of palaeoriver channels were mapped in the Sutlej-Yamuna interfluve, demonstrating the method's efficacy.

Conclusions:

• MSRM offers a significant advancement for geomorphological analysis, independent of image quality and environmental conditions.
• The algorithm is easily implementable for large areas using standard GIS/RS software.
• The provided code facilitates widespread application of MSRM for landform mapping and geomorphological studies.