——— 
Alkema, Dinand 
  
that time-period this will pollute seriously the final results. It also offers opportunities, because it allows analysis at 
various periods in the development of the area and makes comparison between the results possible — if for these periods 
all required data are available. For geomorphologic risk assessment, such an exercise is very interesting as will be 
demonstrated in this work. It could show if the development of some large structures has increased or decreased risk 
and impact in certain areas. 
4 3-DSYSTEMS 
Maps are graphic representation of data and their spatial relationships on a two-dimensional projection. However, 
geomorphologic processes are rarely limited to this two dimensional framework. To enable geo-morphologic modelling, 
one usually needs information on the distribution of a parameter in the third spatial dimension. Many geomorphologic 
processes are related to geo-hydrological cycle for which good knowledge of the subsurface distribution of the 
controlling parameters is critical. An integrated methodology implies that surface and subsurface processes are 
considered to interact (see fig. 1). 
Another, important, fact is that 3-D analysis also offers great opportunities for visualisation of the results to managers, 
decision makers and other stake-holders. 3D images are usually attractive and much more clarifying than 2-D images 
could ever be. When geomorphologic aspects have to be balanced against other considerations, such a communication 
tool may be of greater importance than graphs and maps. 
5 THE TRENTO CASE STUDY 
The study area is located in the large alpine valley of the river Adige in northern Italy (see fig. 2). It includes the 
northern part of the city of Trento, a historic town with about 100.000 inhabitants. The study area extends about 20 
kilometres northward. 
A new motorway 
Plans exist to construct a new motorway connection in the area (see fig. 3). The aim is to forecast how such a new 
structure may interact with the geomorphologic system and if this interaction could cause additional risks for the people 
living and working on the plain. 
Anthropic system 
On the alluvial plain the scarce space is claimed for urban areas, industrial sites, infrastructure and agricultural activities 
(vineyards and orchards). Urban areas does not only include the historic town of Trento, but also various townships. 
Several large industrial areas can be found northward of Trento, at the confluence of the tributary river Avisio with the 
Adige river and south of Mezzocorona. Along the Adige a railroad and a major highway have been constructed to 
connect Italy with central Europe through the Brenner pass. Around the town of Trento a large bypass has been build to 
avoid traffic congestion. Furthermore the area is well known for its wine-production and its apple orchards. Human 
activities have thus strongly influenced the landscape of the area. (see fig.4 ). 
Fig. 2: Location of the study area. Fig. 4: The industrial area north of Trento (view is 
towards the south) enclosed by the Trento bypass. Also 
visible are the river Adige and the Brenner highway. 
  
Study area: Trento 
  
  
        
  
  
  
  
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000. 57