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Himalayan Geology, Vol. 31
(2), 2010, pp. 117-123, Printed in India
Use of digital elevation model for visualization of landforms:A case
study from Guwahati Metropolitan area.
KUNTALA BHUSAN, D.C. GOSWAMI
Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014, India
Email: kuntalabhusan@yahoo.com,
dulalg@yahoo.com
Abstract: A Digital Elevation Model (DEM) represents the continuous
variation of terrain elevation that helps in visualizing the landscape. Most
geo-scientific applications need good knowledge and visualization of the
topography of the Earth’s surface. This paper elucidates, with example, the
potential of satellite derived DEM and high resolution remotely sensed data
for visualization of landforms. A preliminary virtual tour to any terrain
can be made using DEM and emotely sensed data before carrying out actual
mapping. Two forms of visualization are exemplified: overview visualization
showing regional set up and individual site visualization. Geologic
substrate often controls the slope gradient and morphology, which in turn
influence the drainage, weathering conditions, land use-land cover etc.
Computer visualizations allow the inter-relationships between these
conditions to be easily portrayed compared to the use of traditional maps,
field photos etc. Guwahati, the capital city of Assam, is the main hub for
political, administrative, industrial, educational, commercial and many
other activities in the entire North East India. The city is expanding in
all fronts at a tremendous rate and because of rapid urbanization, at many
locations natural slopes/landforms are being altered by anthropogenic
activities. This paper attempts to visualize the present landform condition
of Guwahati metropolitan area from the perspectives of bedrock conditions,
slope morphology and geomorphic processes and to present alternative
strategy to visualize site conditions in and around the city.
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