Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Environmental Studies (MES)

Department

Geography & Environmental Studies

Faculty/School

Faculty of Arts

First Advisor

Houston Saunderson

Advisor Role

Thesis Supervisor

Abstract

The multiquadric method of interpolation has been used to generate surfaces from irregularly distributed points of geophysical data, and has proven to be a successful means of mapping such data. There are four stages involved in the implementation of the method (Saunderson, 1994): (1) solution of a system of simultaneous, linear equations; (2) interpolation of new z values, for a number of locations within the x,y area of an initial sample space of points; (3) plots of all the z values at their respective locations, using colour graphics instead of contouring; and (4) plots of the partial derivatives of z with respect to x and with respect to y. This thesis uses drumlin data from two Canadian drumlin fields to test the applicability of Hardy's method of multiquadric interpolation by generating surfaces of sections of those fields. Contoured multiquadric surfaces are generated and compared to test surfaces derived from orthophoto maps. A working example leads the reader through the exact methods used, resulting in the final xyz and partial x and y plots. Drawbacks, such as the limited number of initial data points that can be used, as well as advantages, such as the unique nature of the methodology for drumlinized landscapes are outlined.

Convocation Year

1994

Convocation Season

Spring

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