Terrain Analysis (PROANA – Prototype of Terrain Analysis)

Description

The specifically developed software called “PROANA” was named after the Greek initials “Prototype Analysis Anaglyfou (Terrain)”. The “PROANA” (Vassilopoulou, 2000, Vassilopoulou, 2001) was developed to produce all associated data and maps for the terrain analysis of an area automatically. Thematic and synthetic layers and maps related to geology and tectonics were compiled with morphological and topographic data, so that terrain analysis layers and maps with their associated database were automatically produced. It was initially developed in AML language of Arc/Info s/w. Subsequently, all the tools of “PROANA” were developed in Python language of ArcGIS software, especially, in Model Builder Environment. It can be used as a useful tool for geological, geophysical and geo-environmental applications related to the terrain analysis.

Terrain Analysis using “PROANA-Tool” s/w has been implemented in Argolis Peninsula, Cephalonia and Zakynthos Islands, Atalanti Fault Zone, Larissa Basin during research projects and studies at NKUA, Faculty of Geology and Geo-environment.

Some Tools can be available. The User can use them to produce his own maps using his data. (Responsible for G.EN.I-MA Tools: Dr. Spyridoula Vassilopoulou / vassilopoulou@geol.uoa.gr)

Synoptic Description

A large number of data can be compiled and new synthetic layers and maps, for terrain analysis, can be automatically produced using the topographic and morphological data. These can be related to the geological and tectonic layers so that new synthetic layers and maps with their relational data base can be produced. The user can set the desired parameters in order to produce terrain analysis layers and maps.

The following maps can be produced by PROANA-Tool:

Digital Elevation Models (DEM Tool).

A mean of presenting the terrain in digital format is the Digital Elevation Model (DEM).

Map of Morphological Slopes (Slope Tool).

This map represents the slopes of the terrain classified in regions.

Aspect of Slope Map (Aspect Tool).

This map represents the aspect of the slopes.

Range Map (Range Tool).

The study area is divided in elevation zones. These zones are contained in the range layer.

Map of Planation Surfaces (Planation Surfaces Tool).

The Planation Surfaces are Classified in Depositional and Erosional with theirs Slope Direction and Categorized with Respect to their Slope. The classification is based on geological map. The planation surfaces are regions of the terrain where their slope take values from 0-15%, generally.

Map of Discontinuities of Morphological Slopes (Discontinuity Tool).

The discontinuities of morphological slopes are represented the differences in slope more than 10%.