Moderating accurate topographic EDM survey with expert-derived planimetric geomorphological information : a case study mapping soil pipes, Mocatan, SE Spain

Abstract

This paper describes the mix of methods involved in the development of a detailed geomorphology map designed to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of an area or rapidly eroding soil pipe badlands in the Mocatan basin near Sorbas in SE Spain. Accurate EDM survey data was moderated by inclusion of expert-derived planimetric geomorphological information to produced as accurate as possible a map of the complicated pipe and channel landscape. It is argued here that although the spacing of the topographic data was close, the spline algorithm that generates the topographic contours between pipes can be improved by hand-mapping topography whilst in the field. Whilst the primary aim of the expert was to add in the vegetation cover distribution, fan pipe exits and the 175 entrances, pipe roof-collapse features, and the position of roads, quarry and breaks of slope, the process also adds value to topographic information. Combining the old and new geomorphological tools resulted in a useful and detailed expertly-adjusted map tailored to the needs of the project.