Classifying Slope Unit by Combining Terrain Feature Lines Based on Digital Elevation Models

In recent years, applications and analyses based on slope units have become increasingly widespread. Compared with grid units, slope units can better represent terrain features and boundaries and allow a more complete view of the morphology of the Earth’s surface. Maps based on slope units also offer significant improvements for disaster prediction and the analysis of slope land resources. Therefore, we need a reasonable method of slope unit classification. Although some methods have been proposed for slope unit classification, they have been too focused on morphological variations and have not fully considered the importance of geomorphology, and the geomorphological and physical significance of slope partitioning remain unclear. Therefore, we propose a novel slope unit classification method by combining terrain feature lines (CTFL) derived from the meaning of geomorphology ontology that use several terrain feature lines, such as geomorphic water division lines, valley shoulder lines, slope toe lines, and shady/sunny slope boundary lines, to classify slopes. The Jiuyuangou and Lushan study areas were selected to test the CTFL method. Compared with the traditional hydrological method, the CTFL method can effectively overcome topographic abruptness and distortions, improve the uniformity of slope and aspect within individual units, and increase the accuracy of slope unit applications and analyses. This work fully considers the importance of geomorphology and is conducive to future studies of slope unit division.