Abstract
In Holocene palaeogeographical studies, GIS nowadays is used in various ways,
embracing either GIS modelling possibilities or GIS spatial data storage
functionality. This paper is an example of the latter type of GIS use for
reconstruction of the Holocene Rhine–Meuse delta (128675 km; part of the
Dutch coastal plain). Depositional traces of river courses (channel belts) are
major features to map. We digitized mapped channel belt fragments and stored
their reconstructed ages in a linked table. The GIS data structure allows checking
for internal consistency of the implemented reconstruction, enabling iterative
improvement while digitizing and labelling. Palaeogeographical maps for any
given time during the Holocene result from GIS-database queries. Coupled to the
GIS are high-resolution digital elevation data (sub-decimetre accurate laseraltimetry
data covering the entire study area) and a database of ca 100 000
borehole descriptions, allowing for further mapping improvements. The GIS
structure and digital data together greatly improved mapping and enable larger
areas to be mapped in greater detail with greater accuracy and in less time.
embracing either GIS modelling possibilities or GIS spatial data storage
functionality. This paper is an example of the latter type of GIS use for
reconstruction of the Holocene Rhine–Meuse delta (128675 km; part of the
Dutch coastal plain). Depositional traces of river courses (channel belts) are
major features to map. We digitized mapped channel belt fragments and stored
their reconstructed ages in a linked table. The GIS data structure allows checking
for internal consistency of the implemented reconstruction, enabling iterative
improvement while digitizing and labelling. Palaeogeographical maps for any
given time during the Holocene result from GIS-database queries. Coupled to the
GIS are high-resolution digital elevation data (sub-decimetre accurate laseraltimetry
data covering the entire study area) and a database of ca 100 000
borehole descriptions, allowing for further mapping improvements. The GIS
structure and digital data together greatly improved mapping and enable larger
areas to be mapped in greater detail with greater accuracy and in less time.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 589-602 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | International Journal of Geographical Information Science |
| Volume | 21 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
Keywords
- Holocene coastal plain
- Subsurface mapping
- Borehole data
- Channel belts