Application of digital elevation model for mapping vegetation tiers

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore possibilities of application of digital elevation model for mapping vegetation tiers (altitudinal vegetation zones). Linear models were used to investigate the relationship between vegetation tiers and variables derived from a digital elevation model - elevation and potential global radiation. The model was based on a sample of 138 plots located from the 2nd to the 5th vegetation tier. Potential global radiation was computed in r.sun module in geographic information system GRASS. The final model explained 84% of data variability and employed variables were found to be sufficient for modelling vegetation tiers in the study area. Applied methodology could be used to increase the accuracy and efficiency of mapping vegetation tiers, especially in areas where such task is considered difficult (e.g. agricultural landscape).

Keywords

• altitudinal vegetation zones
• digital elevation model
• linear models
• vegetation tiers