terrain analysis basics

What is terrain

Refers to any part of the earths curst that isnt covered by the oceans.

Refers to visible ground features

Does not include Anthropogenic features such as : man made stuff

What is terrain Analysis

A process of interpreting terrain conditions for specific project

A skillful technique based on knowledge and experience

Appplication of Terrain Analysis

Water studies

geological mapping

environmental studies

route location

Terrain Analysis objectives

1st: evaluate general trafficability of the propose route noting possible obstacles

2nd: identify and map the surface earth material on route

3rd: predict how the identified material will behave under the stresses imposed taking to consideration the physical properties of the soil and ground water

4th: submit a report to the project authorities detailing the terrain condition

4 factors determine the look of a landform

1)Type and nature of material

2 types of broad materials:

rock & sediment/soil

2)Tectonics

3)Erosion

4) Time

NOTE

we need to be able to visualize terrain encountered in canada for new developments such as propsed route location for road and pipeline., mine site,hydro electric development

techniques to do that:

Air photo interpretatin

maps

field verification

remote sensing(LIDAR)