175 
Photography by the author, Oct. 1963. 
application of photo interpretation procedures, where the work commences with 
the anlaysis of general image pattern and proceeds toward the recognition of 
specific components of this pattern, a stratification of the land surface 
based on the relief features is compatible with the hierarchical structure of 
i the multi-level biophysical surveys: a general relief pattern describes 
significant physiographic features at a broad, regional level, while 
components of this pattern provide reliable indicators for the recognition of 
specific details. 
A quantitative expression of surface configuration features is 
particularly useful in more intensive terrain investigations for specific 
purposes, such as feasibility studies for selection of engineering sites, 
detailed soil classification, searches for construction material, shoreline 
surveys, assessment of susceptibility to erosion, or in the analysis and 
monitoring of unstable slopes and landslides. 
Current terminology and definitions of topographic terms is somewhat 
complicated and confusing, as quantitative values for defining topographic 
features and slope classes are often selected arbitrarily to satisfy immediate 
requirements of a particular project. Recent attempts to standarize 
geomorphic terms in the classification of landforms also include some 
important expressions related to relief features. (Fulton 1972, Acton 1973). 
Photo interpreters involved in the land survey disciplines welcome such 
standarization, as it will provide the much needed consistency in the 
landscape classification and mapping. 
LITERATURE CITED 
Acton, D.F. 
1973: Report of the subcommittee on the classification of landforms. 
Ed.: J.H. Day P.G. Lajoie. In M Proc. 9th Meet. Can. Soil Surv. 
Comm., Univ. Sask., Saskatoon, p. 117-135. 
Belcher, D.J. 
1948: The Engineering significance of landforms; In The appraisal 
of terrain conditions for highway engineering purposes. 
National Res. Counc., Washington, Highway Res. Board, Bull. 
No. 13. p. 9-29. 
Fulton, R.J. 
1972: Landform classification In Report 2nd Meet. West. Sect. Soil 
Surv. Comm., Kelowna, B.C. p. 13-48, Append. I. 
Gimbarzevsky, Philip. 
1972: Terrain analysis from 
1st Can. Symp. Remote 
small-scale aerial photographs. 
Sensing, Ottawa, p. 367-377. 
In: