Introducing the Geomorphometric Atlas of Romania: A Publicly Available Database of Landform Classifications and Land-Surface Variables based on FABDEM
Geomorphometry 2025, 09-13.06.2025
Perugia, Italy
andrei.ionita@e-uvt.ro
Andrei Ioniță, Lucian Drăguț
Basis of the Atlas
Geomorphometric Atlas
�A comprehensive spatial framework composed of maps and geospatial datasets that quantify and classify terrain properties using digital elevation models (DEMs). It provides a scientific basis for terrain analysis, environmental assessment, and land management at multiple scales.�
Key Components of the Atlas:
1. Landform Classifications
�Systematic grouping of land surface forms based on geomorphometric criteria. Supports predictive modeling, hazard mapping, erosion assessment, and sustainable land-use planning.
2. Morphometric Variables
�Quantitative descriptors of terrain geometry (e.g., slope, aspect, curvature) derived from DEMs. These metrics reveal spatial patterns and functional relationships within geosystems.
What was done until now?
Main Objective | Purpose |
To develop and openly distribute a digital atlas of land-surface variables and landform classifications for Romania, supporting geoscientific research and interdisciplinary applications. | To support research and applications in geosciences and related domains, while informing policy-making and decision processes in agriculture, water resource management, hazard mitigation, and civil engineering. |
Workflow
Workflow�Land-Surface Variables
Topographic Grain
Range Filter
3 scales of analysis - 90m, 330m, 810m
LSVs
FABDEM ROMANIA
Scale Difference�Mountain
3x3 (90x90 m)
11x11 (330x330 m)
27x27 (810x810 m)
Slope
Plan Convexity
Scale Difference�Plateau
3x3 (90x90 m)
11x11 (330x330 m)
27x27 (810x810 m)
Convexitatea în profil
Convexitatea în plan
Scale Difference�Plain
3x3 (90x90 m)
11x11 (330x330 m)
27x27 (810x810 m)
Profile Convexity
Plan Convexity
Initial Dataset�LSVs
1. Panta
2. Expoziția versanților
3. Multidirectional Hillshade
4. Sin (Eastness)
5. Cos (Northness)
6. PROC - Profile Convexity
7. PLAC- Plan Convexity
8. LONC - Longitudinal Curvature
9. CRSC - Cross-Sectional Curvature
10. PRCM - Minimum Profile Convexity
11. GOF – Goodness of fit
Initial Dataset Landform Classifications
Global Landforms Classifications
Object-oriented classifications
Pixel-based classifications
Meybeck et al. (2001)
Iwahashi and Pike (2007)
Theobald et al. (2015)
Drăguț & Eisank, 2012
Iwahashi et al. (2018)
Iwahashi and Yamazaki
(2022)
+ Candrea (2008) – Manual mapping
(Vector Polygons)
&
Seturi de date Clasificările formelor de relief
Workflow�Public Data Sharing
Original Data
Reprojection in EPSG: 3857 - WGS 84 Web Mercator (Auxilliary Sphere)
Sharing as Web Tile Layer / Web Vector Tile
Tiling scheme – Min. Level 6 (1:9.000.000 – Country) – Max. Level 14 (1:36.000 – Town) –
9 different scales
Import in WebMap
WebApp Creation through Experience Builder
Download
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FHn_Jb-QmmiSop0wM77IMLbzAaHt1zTt?usp=drive_link
Access to WebApp
Discussion
User Accessibility Simplification:�Key morphometric variables are made accessible, removing the need for advanced expertise.
Related Initiatives:�Projects such as EcoDataCube (Witjes et al., 2023) and European-scale databases (Amatulli et al., 2020) highlight the importance of open-access geomorphometric data.
Study Innovations:�Topographic grain was computed and derived specifically for the Romanian territory.
Expanded Dataset:�Additional variables have been included lately, such as SPI, TWI, TPI, RI and many more.
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Conclusions
Innovative atlas:
The first geomorphometric atlas of Romania, available as open-source.
Built on 30 m resolution FABDEM across three analysis scales.
Diverse Applications:
Supports environmental research and policy in agriculture, water resource management, and erosion prevention.
Promotes spatial planning and sustainable land management practices.
Interdisciplinary Integration
Encourages linking geomorphometric data with variables from other domains such as biology, chemistry, and geosciences.
Supports the development of national-level environmental policies.
Accessibility and Impact
Freely available to researchers and authorities.
Fosters the adoption of sustainable practices.
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Thank you for your attention!
Andrei Ioniță
andrei.ionita@e-uvt.ro