28 Nov 2022

The DEM Breakline and Differencing Analysis Tool—Step-by-Step Workflows and Procedures for Effective Gridded DEM Analysis

Abstract: The DEM Breakline and Differencing Analysis Tool is the result of a multi-year research effort in the analysis of digital elevation models (DEMs) and the extraction of features associated with breaklines identified on the DEM by numerical analysis. Developed in the ENVI/IDL image processing application, the tool is designed to serve as an aid to research in the investigation of DEMs by taking advantage of local variation in the height. A set of specific workflow exercises is described as applied to a diverse set of four sample DEMs. These workflows instruct the user in applying the tool to extract and analyze features associated with terrain, vegetative canopy, and built structures. Optimal processing parameter choices, subject to user modification, are provided along with sufficient explanation to train the user in elevation model analysis through the creation of customized output overlays.

12 Aug 2022

User Guide: The DEM Breakline and Differencing Analysis Tool—Gridded Elevation Model Analysis with a Convenient Graphical User Interface

Abstract: Gridded elevation models of the earth’s surface derived from airborne lidar data or other sources can provide qualitative and quantitative information about the terrain and its surface features through analysis of the local spatial variation in elevation. The DEM Breakline and Differencing Analysis Tool was developed to extract and display micro-terrain features and vegetative cover based on the numerical modeling of elevation discontinuities or breaklines (breaks-in-slope), slope, terrain ruggedness, local surface optima, and the local elevation difference between first surface and bare earth input models. Using numerical algorithms developed in-house at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Geospatial Research Laboratory, various parameters are calculated for each cell in the model matrix in an initial processing phase. The results are combined and thresholded by the user in different ways for display and analysis. A graphical user interface provides control of input models, processing, and display as color-mapped overlays. Output displays can be saved as images, and the overlay data can be saved as raster layers for input into geographic information systems for further analysis.

12 May 2021

Automated Characterization of Ridge-Swale Patterns Along the Mississippi River

Abstract: The orientation of constructed levee embankments relative to alluvial swales is a useful measure for identifying regions susceptible to backward erosion piping (BEP). This research was conducted to create an automated, efficient process to classify patterns and orientations of swales within the Lower Mississippi Valley (LMV) to support levee risk assessments. Two machine learning algorithms are used to train the classification models: a convolutional neural network and a U-net. The resulting workflow can identify linear topographic features but is unable to reliably differentiate swales from other features, such as the levee structure and riverbanks. Further tuning of training data or manual identification of regions of interest could yield significantly better results. The workflow also provides an orientation to each linear feature to support subsequent analyses of position relative to levee alignments. While the individual models fall short of immediate applicability, the procedure provides a feasible, automated scheme to assist in swale classification and characterization within mature alluvial valley systems similar to LMV.

1 Dec 2020

Seamless Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Creation for the Mississippi River in Louisiana to Support Hydrologic Modeling

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