Multi-strata geomorphological database (MorphDB): a methodological breakthrough in geomorphological mapping

Abstract

From the beginning of the past century geomorphological maps have been generated through detailed field surveys representing Earth surface processes and landforms on a simple piece of paper. The introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in the last decades has allowed the addition of more information to each mapped landform through the construction of specific geodatabases. However, the prerequisite to compile a detailed map is the detection of the landforms with the highest degree of precision without losing information and respecting the geomorphological and cartographic rules. In fact, arbitral hierarchy between landforms as well as topological issues can significantly affect the geomorphological information represented in the map.

We propose a new methodology to overcome the above-mentioned issues, introducing a multi-strata geomorphological database (MorphDB). This approach offers the possibility to map each landform with high spatial and temporal detailed by implementing geomorphological information, and other morphometric evidence into a structured and searchable geodatabase. The presented methodology was tested in a portion of the upper Arda Valley (Northern Apennines, Italy) compiling the geodatabase and assembling a geomorphological map. Finally, the MorphDB was shared in a GeoPackage file (.gpkg) in order to be applied anywhere. This study will open a new perspective in geomorphological mapping and maps, avoiding cartographic errors, loss of information due to generalization processes and the production of derived maps exploitable for territorial planning.