Scripting languages for geomorphological modelling and topographic visualization of Serbia

Abstract

Scripting cartographic technique is a new method of geospatial data visualization - especially with thematic mapping such as geomorphological models. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) and R for geomorphological and topographic mapping of Serbia using free open datasets (DEM, SRTM/ GEBCO, OpenStreetMap). Current trend in education and research of distance-based and online-based education suggests that application of free high-resolution data for modelling and mapping by open source cartographic toolsets are more likely to result in deep geospatial analysis of the geomorphology of Balkans with associated geographic phenomena: hydrology, soils, vegetation, geology. Presented fragments of scripts aim to demonstrate the technical usage of R and GMT coding in cartographic workflow with a case study on Serbia. Using qualitative descriptive cartographic approach to visualize the slope, aspect and terrain elevations over the country and the ?raster? package provided by R, it was found that the geomorphology of Serbia spatially differs in southern and northern parts of the country resulting in regional geologic evolution and tectonic dynamics of the Balkan formation. The presented maps portrayed general distribution of the landforms in Serbian region of Balkans. The research contributes to the methodological development and testing of the cartographic techniques as well as geomorphological and environmental studies of Serbia.