SECTION 2

GEOLOGICAL TERRAIN
MAPPING

2.0

INTRODUCTION

In the process of planning the management of geohazards, basic information information

such as geology, topography, and landform as well as other potentially unstable area due to
presence of landslides or severe erosion are required from an area. This approach will
minimize the risk of geohazards such as landslides or rock falls. For systematic assessment
and utilization of the information, a rational evaluation of the overall terrain is conducted and
the data are presented in the form of various types of thematic maps.
Terrain mapping or terrain evaluation has been carried out for the implementation of various
activities such as land use planning, layout of new townships or development projects,
geohazards management and agriculture.
2.1 OBJECTIVE
The main aim for this section is to provide information on the suitability of slope
development.
2.2 METHODOLOGY
Terrain evaluation is an exercise to classify the physical characteristics of particular landform
according to their features and appearance. Geological terrain mapping is carried out based
on the evaluation of four attributes, namely slope gradient attribute, terrain or morphology
attribute, activity attribute and the erosion and instability attribute. To prepare the various
derivative maps, a GIS system (using Arc Info or Arc View software) is used to analyze data
from the four attributes.
Based on these four attributes in Table 2.1, polygons were defined, reflecting on the steepness
of the terrain, the morphology of the slope, the activities that were conducted on the slope and
the degree of erosion or instability on that slope. Such definition of polygons was conducted
in the field, but in area which was inaccessible, recent aerial photographs were studied. The
polygons in the Terrain Classification Maps were digitized and analysis was carried out with
GIS system producing the various thematic maps such as Erosion and Instability Map,
Physical Constraints Map, Engineering Geology Map and Construction Suitability Map.

The procedure for geological terrain mapping by Minerals and Geoscience Department
Malaysia is shown in Figure 2.1 was summarized in Figure 2,2 and the following detail
description is discussed in item 2.2.1 to 2.2.7.

Table 2.1: Geological Terrain Classification Attributes (Mineral and Geoscience Department, 2006)
SLOPE
GRADIENT
0-5
1
6-15 2
16-25 3
26-35 4
36-60 5
>60
6

TERRAIN CODE
Hillcrest:
Side slope:
Foot slope:
Drainage:
Flood plain:
Coastal:
Littoral zone:
Marshy/swamp
y:
Wave cut
platform:
Alluvial plain:
Undulating
hills:

-straight
-concave
-convex
-straight
-concave
-convex

ACTIVITY CODE
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
K
L
S

Natural Slope:
Cut slope:
Fill:
Terraces:

-rock
-soil
-soil and rock
-rock
-soil
-soil and rock
-rock
-soil
-soil and rock
-rock
-soil
-soil and rock

W Reclamation:
X
Y

Mined-out:
Water bodies:

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
a
b
c
d

-natural stream
-man-made channel
-water storage
-pond

Colluvium
Excavated platform

e
f
g
h
I
m
p

EROSION AND INSTABILITY

CODE
0
No appreciable erosion:
-minor
1
Sheet erosion:
-moderate 2
-severe
3
-minor
4
Rill erosion:
-moderate 5
-severe
6
Gully erosion:
-minor
7
-moderate 8
-severe
9
Well defined recent
Landslip:
-<10m
a
(diameters)
-10mb
50m
->50m
c
Development of general
Instability:
Coastal instability:

-recent
-relict

n
r
w

Figure 2.1: Geological Terrain Mapping Procedure (Mineral and Geoscience Department)

Preparation of base map (Topographic Map and Slope Gradient Map)

Overlay of aerial photographs/satellite imagery

Draw polygons with attributes

Conduct geological terrain mapping (on site)

Demarcate polygons with attributes

Checking and analysis of polygons and codes on map

Production of thematic maps

Figure 2.2: Summarize procedure of Geological Terrain Mapping
2.2.1

Preparation of base map (Topographic Map and Slope Gradient Map)

I.

Acquisition of digitized topographical base maps from Jabatan Ukur dan

II.

Pemetaan Malaysia (JUPEM) or qualified surveyor.

From digitized maps, print out base map which is basically the topographic map

III.

(Figure 2.3a and 2.3b).

Ensure the contour lines of the digitized map are in order. A slope gradient map
(Figure 2.4a and 2.4b) is then prepared using Triangulated Irregular Network
(TIN) or other similar software. The slope gradient map is to be used as a
reference in the field survey.

Figure 2.3a: Topographic Map for Tower 18, Line Pergau Tanah Merah, Jeli

Figure 2.3b: Topographic Map for Tower 113, Line Kenyir Tanah Merah, Kenyir

Figure 2.4a: Slope Map for Tower 18, Line Pergau Tanah Merah, Jeli

Figure 2.4b: Slope Map for Tower 113, Line Kenyir Tanah Merah, Kenyir
2.2.2

Overlay of aerial photographs/satellite imagery and desktop studies

I.

Compile and review existing literature for related geological information such as
landslides, erosion, areas of instability, geology and geological structures.

II.

Overlay of aerial photographs/satellite imagery on topographic map and slope

map and study all existing series of aerial photographs and also satellite imagery
for related geological information.

2.2.3

Draw polygons with attributes

I.

Draw polygons on aerial photographs and imaginary following the Geological

Terrain Classification Attributes (Table 2.1).

II.

These polygons need to be verified by field mapping and polygon should be coded
according to Terrain Evaluation System.

2.2.4

Conduct geological terrain mapping (on site)

I.

Conduct a reconnaissance survey to familiarize with the access, locating

landmarks in the study area and to know the general geomorphology and
engineering geology of the area.

II.

Locate the position of each observation point with a Global Positioning System
(GPS) and mark it as a reference station on the base map.

2.2.5

Demarcate polygons with attributes

I.

From the position of this observation point, demarcate the polygons on the base
map.

II.

To demarcate each polygon, follow the Geological Terrain Classification

Attributes which quantifies the slope gradient and identifies the terrain, activity,
and erosion and instability attributes (Table 1).

III.

To demarcate each polygon on the base map, use the slope gradient map as
references.

2.2.6

Checking and analysis of polygons and codes on map

I.

Ensure that every polygon is closed. Along the edges of each map sheet, check
that the polygons match with those from the adjoining sheets. Typical demarcation
of terrain polygons is shown in the Geological Terrain Classification Map (Figure
2.5a and 2.5b).

II.

Mark in all cut slopes, fill slopes, benches, landslide scars (both old and recent),
significant water seepages, trails of boulders, sinkholes and other engineering
geological features. This is to facilitate the production of engineering geological
maps.

2.2.7

Production of thematic maps

I.

Transfer all field records on to a new map sheet, ensuring that all the polygons in
the newly prepared Geological Terrain Classification Map are closed and have the
correct coding. Make sure that the polygons along the edges of the map sheet fit in
with those in the neighbouring sheets and that their coding matches with one
another. Digitize the information on this new map sheet. Ensure that digitize
polygons and codes are in order.

II.

Conduct analysis of a thematic map with Geographical Information System (GIS)

software. The types of the thematic maps produced include the Erosion Map,
Landform Map, Physical Constraints Map and Construction Suitability Map. The
Engineering Geological Map is produced separately based on engineering
geological data collected in the field.

2.3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Figure 2.5a: Geological Terrain Classification Map for Tower 18, Line Pergau Tanah Merah

Figure 2.5b: Geological Terrain Classification Map for Tower 113, Line Kenyir Tanah Merah