Identification of Karst forms using LiDAR technology: Cozumel Island, Mexico.

Abstract

Morphological relief analysis allows the identification of geomorphological forms and cartographic-environmental studies make extensive use of the medium (1:50,000) and large scale (1:250,000), where the topographical contrast is evident. However, at a detailed scale (<1:20,000) and for territories where the contrast of relief does not exceed 10 m in height, the morphological analyses must be adapted accordingly, because they contribute information to altimetry studies and to the topographic configuration of units. Thus, through visual interpretation and manipulation of high-resolution topographical LiDAR data from Cozumel Island, a relief analysis is presented at a detailed scale for the purpose of recognizing the geomorphological units of karst origin, using altimetry and slope cartography, digital models of elevation, and shading that permits the identification of 109 new exokarstic doline and uvala formations.