Analysis of desert terrain in China using Landsat imagery

In China, terrain classification began when civilization started, with early classification schemes recorded as early as 2,500 years ago. Terrain types are classified according to physical and environmental conditions, with the number of classes and subclasses of a given terrain being dictated by the scale of the map. In this paper, a classification is given, taking into account landscape criteria as well as well as environmental factors. Four examples are discussed: The Jiayuguan area in the middle of the Hexi Corridor, the Turpan Basin and its neighboring areas, the Minfeng area in the south central Tarim Basin, and the Taijnar Hu area in south central Qaidam Basin. This classification was determined by coupling field study results and image interpretation.