The morpho-conservation map puts emphasis on slope Classification (for which the
coloured area Symbols are used), on other morphometrical information and on
fossil and active processes of all kinds (river work, slope stability, etc.). To this
cover types are added in green because of the great impact of Vegetation (natural
or agricultural) on the erosional and depositional processes.
Active processes may be indicated in red so as to make a clear distinction with
fossil processes that are less important for conservation studies and only could
be re-activated in case of improper management.
The hydro-morphological map is meant for use in hydrological studies. The coloured
area symbols are reserved for hydro-morphological units. The delineation of these
is based mainly on the infiltration-runoff ratio that depends primarily on the
permeability of the rocks/soils on the one hand and on the steepness and roughness
of slopes on the other. Apart from this, all relevant hydrological information such
as Springs, wells, groundwater conditions etc. is indicated. The order of all streams
and the detailed network of drainage divides is also included. Much stress is thus
also laid on morphometric information in as far as this is of interest in hydro
logical studies.
These three types of maps may well be complemented by more special-purpose
maps, when the need for them arises.
The survey procedures are as followsto start with the base map topography
and lithology) is prepared that later is to be printed in grey. In case topographical
and geological maps of the area exist, these can be used as source material. In their
absence topographical and lithological airphotointerpretation takes their place.
Subsequently geomorphological airphotointerpretation will result in preliminary
(not field-checked) general purpose and special purpose maps. Field work and
laboratory investigations will verify the photo interpretation and also add new
data, where after a final airphotointerpretation will ultimately result in the final
general purpose and special purpose maps to be produced. Explanatory notes
or a complete report will, of course, accompany the maps.
Since the method is primarily devised for use by the foreign students of ITC, the
System, edited as ITC textbook vol. VII. 2, has appeared in English, French, and
Spanish. It is written by the author and Drs. r. a. van zuidam in Cooperation with
several other geomorphologists of the ITC-staff. The cartography of the ac-
companying maps is by j. bloemendaal, ITC and the printing is done by Ozaprint,
Delft. The maps accompanying the textbook are also included in this paper so as
to show the 'look' of the maps produced. Of special interest is also the map example
on which the three map types appear in 4 x and 10 x reduction so as to show what
information still can and what cannot be incorporated on maps of these scales.
An advantage of the system is that maps can also be produced cheaply by way of
ozalid print if only a limited number of copies is needed. The grey colour for topo
graphy and lithology is then obtained through the Radex Red method. The black
line symbols can be drawn thereon and coloured area symbols can be obtained by
hand colouring, or the main geomorphological units can be delimited by thick
black lines and a lettering system based on abbreviations of the name of the units
concerned.
90
Introduction to the ITC System of geomorphological survey
K.N.A.G. Geografisch Tijdschrift IV (1970) Nr. 1
