Geographic Information Science and Mountain Geomorphology (Springer Praxis Books)

Significant advances in geomatics and geomorphology are changing the way in which scientists study complex mountain environments. This book provides a critical treatment and evaluation of these recent developments. With the advent of advanced satellite sensors, high resolution satellite imagery and digital elevation, models now make possible quantitative analysis and modelling of the landscape. So it is becoming ever more important for geoscientists to integrate geomatics into their scientific investigation. This book is a "must" for any researcher actively working in geomatics, geomorphology and mountain systems. It will also be valuable to geologists and resource planners interested in the role of surface processes in complex orogens and resource assessment and sustainable development.

From the reviews:

"...edited by two active and well-respected researchers in the field of geomorphology, surveys a broad range of quantitative approaches to the analysis ofmountain systems. This book provides a critical treatment and evaluation of recent developments.

 This well-written and wide-ranging material provides valuable insights into the use of specialized GIScience techniques across the broad spectrum of mountain geomorphic research.

This book is a welcome addition for advanced students and researchers actively working on the study of geomorphology in mountain systems. The text also will be valuable to a range of scientists interested in the role of surface processes in mountainous regions, and to planners interested in resource assessment and sustainable development." (Louis A. Scuderi, EOS, December 2004)

 Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is increasingly being utilized by earth scientists to study mountains and surface processes. State-of-the-art geomorphological investigations of the dynamic nature of mountain systems require the integration of knowledge from geographic information science (GIScience) and geomorphology for modeling surface processes and topogprahic evolution. Similarly, issues of scale and parameterization of process models in geomorphology require new developments in data modeling and spatial/temporal GIS analysis.

The editors have invited expert authors actively engaged in GIScience and mountain resaerch to address current issues in this discipline. A fundamental treatment of GIScience includes data modeling, geomorphology, remote sensing, artificial intelligence, spatial statistics and analysis, and scientific visualization. Various theoretical and practical issues are addressed with applilcations in geoecology, natural hazards, surfacehydrology, snow and ice, climate forcing, tectonic geomorphology, and landscape evolution. Emphasis is on the integration of GIScience and geomorphology for understanding complex mountain systems.