Soil erosion modeling using computer-graphic methods and geographic information systems

Abstract

The surface of the earth, exposed to gravitational forces, wind, water and ice, is continuously evolving within spatial and temporal proportions. The erosion processes that form the land surface are extremely complex and difficult to quantify over large areas. Remote sensing provides important data that allows us to gain insight into the interactions between physical processes and environmental conditions that control the erosion and development of landforms. Recent advances in mapping technologies, such as the use of LiDAR, hyperspectral imaging, and ground-penetrating radar, have significantly increased the spatial and temporal function of the analysis of these processes. New research suggests that fundamental changes in the initial theories of erosion processes may be made to align with new scientific findings. Analysis and modelling based on the science of geospatial information (GIS) play an important role in better understanding and predictability aimed at minimizing the negative impacts of soil erosion and its deposition. In this paper it is presented the views, theory and methods of modelling soil erosion, sediment transport and sedimentation in watercourses based on the application of computer graphics methods and the use of geographic information systems. The mathematical equations that stand in the algorithmic backgrounds of the models for the control of soil erosion are applied for the calculation of the intensity of erosion, and the modelling of this process of soil degradation. The presented methods explain the movement of eroded material from basins, its deposition downstream, and the influences of these processes on the evolution of natural landscapes of the studied areas. Some approaches that used GIS applications in simple and advanced models are discussed, and models used in the world and in the Western Balkans region are presented.