Erosion in Alpine Areas

An ArcGIS® toolbox for the identification of cultivation induced Soil Erosion

Description

The protection of Alpine Soils is of great importance and closely linked to suitable farming strategies. The Guidelines for environmental protection in agriculture provide detailed reference for surveying, controlling and preventing erosion on alpine surfaces. In this research project, an ArcGIS® Toolbox was developed that enables the (semi-) automatic identification of farming induced erosion from digital aerial imagery according to the Guidelines for environmental protection in agriculture. The GIS processing sequence was tested in a representative study area and validated with field findings. This efficient, adaptable and user-friendly toolbox will support the cantonal authorities to objectively identify erosion.