**7. References**


Cartography is experiencing an important change with the introduction of computer systems and digital images (GIS, satellite images). In particular in the Earth Sciences,

From a graphical point of view, given the complexity of symbology, geomorphological

The potential offered by GIS can solve this problem. In addition, the input of satellite data allows integrating additional information to better understand the mechanisms that regulate

The remote spatial data acquisition techniques are also moving important steps. Therefore, the availability of data with high accuracy allows having a progressively more accurate information on the topographic attributes evaluation and for 3D observations of landforms. Statistical distribution of landforms, morphogenetic processes and numerical calculation of quantitative indices (Melelli & Floris, 2011; Serrano & Ruiz-Flaño 2007a,b) benefit significantly from these new techniques. Today is possible to merge the information collected by traditional techniques (aerial photo-interpretation or field survey) with numerical data, obtaining final documents completely different from traditional cartography. The data can be updated, queried and displayed in various ways. They can also, with the help of statistical analysis, offer new research methods to build advanced

Abrams, M. (1999). The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer

Bocco, G., Mendoza, M. & Velazquez, A. (2001). Remote sensing and GIS-based regional

Braun, J. & Sambridge, M. (1997). Modelling landscape evolution on geological time scales: a

Burrough, P.A. & McDonnell, R.A. (1998). *Principles of Geographical Information Systems*, 2nd

Dramis, F. & Bisci, C. (1998). *Cartografia geomorfologica*. Pitagora Ed. ISBN 88-371-0809-5,

Evans, I.E. (1972). General geomorphometry, derivatives of altitude, and descriptive

Franklin, S.E. (1991). Satellite remote sensing of mountain geomorphic surfaces. *Canadian* 

GLCG (Gruppo di lavoro per la Cartografia Geomorfologica – Working Group for the

AMI Platform. *International Journal of Remote Sensing*, Sept, 1999.

Edition, Oxford University Press ISBN 0198233663, 0198233655.

*Journal of Remote Sensing*, Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 218-229.

(ASTER): Data Products for the High Spatial Resolution Imager on NASA's EOS-

geomorphological mapping—a tool for land use planning in developing countries.

new method based on irregular spatial discretization. *Basin Research*, Vol. 9, pp. 27–

statistics. In: *Spatial Analysis in geomorphology.*, Chorley, R.J., (Ed.), pp. 17-90,

Geomorphological Cartography) (1994). Carta geomorfologica d'Italia – 1:50.000 .

geomorphological mapping begins to benefit from the digitalization of information.

maps interpretation is often difficult, especially for non-experts.

models for morphogenetic processes of landscape evolution.

*Geomorphology*, Vol. 39, No. 3-4, pp. 211-219.

**6. Conclusions** 

**7. References** 

52.

Bologna.

Methuen, London.

the morphogenetic processes.

Guida al rilevamento. Servizio Geologico Nazionale. *Quaderni serie III*, Vol. 4, Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato, Roma, 1994.


**6** 

*Malaysia* 

**Analysis of Land Cover Classification** 

Arid environment is a dry landscape or region that received an extremely low amount of precipitation. Arid areas are located where vegetation cover is sparse to almost nonexistent. Almost one third of earth land surface is arid or desert. Over desert areas, a number of land cover patterns can be observed. One example is given here for the Arabian Peninsula. The located area can be found in Fig. 1. This pattern does not correlate with vegetation; the area is extremely arid with little or no vegetation. In addition, specific land cover is defined as the observed physical layer including natural and planted vegetation and human constructions, which cover the surface of the Earth. Land cover classification is a tool that fills an important informational niche for natural resource managers, decision-makers, and stakeholders. It serves to categorize natural ecosystems, managed crops, and urban areas. As a general form, land cover classifications provide the elemental information to appraise the impact of human interactions within the environment and to assess scientific foundations for sustainability, vulnerability and resilience of land systems and their use

**1. Introduction** 

Fig. 1. Location of the arid area in the world

**in Arid Environment: A Comparison** 

**Performance of Four Classifiers** 

M. R. Mustapha, H. S. Lim and M. Z. MatJafri *School of Physics, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM Penang* 

