Study for the topographic representation method using Laplacian of Gaussian filtering

Abstract

This paper reports the representation method of topographic features using detail digital elevation model. In previous research, topographic features index that compounded the over-ground and under-ground openness index (Yokoyama et al., 1999) and slope gradation map was used as well. However, these methods have some problems such as, restriction of its usage by the patent and complicated calculating processes. Therefore, many users are not able to use it for topographical feature interpretation work freely and easily.
The proposed method in this report, adopting Laplacian of Gaussian filtering used in the machine vision technology, is able to calculate the same effect as in the openness index, without any concern of patent restriction. As this proposed method can be used for making landslide inventory map, consideration of road network or planning for forest resources management, it is expected to be used in various fields by various users.