Topography

Topography is a critical factor affecting the spatial pattern and composition of landcover distribution. CIPEC uses GIS techniques to integrate topographic data with other spatial datasets to determine to what extent topography determines landcover pattern. For example, in Indiana much of the flat territory is under cultivation while forested lands exist primarily in steep slope areas unsuitable for agriculture. Similar relationships are seen in other CIPEC sites including La Campa, Honduras and Altamira, Brazil.

In some study areas, topographic data is highly accessible (e.g. Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) from USGS), while in sites in developing countries elevation must be derived from contour data on topographic maps.

The following figure shows topography and landcover for an area in southern Indiana. Forest areas (dark green) are located in steep slope areas (brighter), while agriculture (yellow) is located in shallower areas (darker).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last Updated: May 11, 2005
Comments: cipec@indiana.edu 
Copyright 2005, The Trustees of Indiana University.