Physical Landscapes

The scientific discipline of geomorphology is concerned with the processes that act upon and shape the Earth’s surface to create physical landscapes. Maps have a very specific utility within this domain as they allow a spatial representation of shapes (or landforms), their material composition, age and the processes that formed them. From the creation of the very first geomorphological maps in the early 1900s, there has been continual development and increased sophistication in the representation of complex datasets. The implementation of geographical information systems, integrated with the widespread availability of satellite imagery and digital elevation models has enabled much greater application across a range of disciplines beyond geomorphology, notably in natural hazard evaluation, disaster response assessment, insurance, infrastructure planning, civil engineering and engineering geology. This chapter provides a brief outline of the development of cartographic techniques where the primary purpose is to provide maps of geomorphology that have met the requirements of different end-users. Initially this involved standard approaches of field mapping and drafting of hardcopy maps but has now developed into the use of much more sophisticated methods of digital data collection and management. This has resulted in significant growth in the use of geomorphological maps, and recognition of their wider societal significance. Whilst geomorphology, by definition, refers to mapping of the Earth’s surface, there is increasing use of mapping techniques on planetary bodies across the solar system. The horizons for geomorphological mapping clearly continue to expand and this chapter concludes with a discussion on the future challenges and opportunities within the subject.