Topographic Maps and Mapping
Baseline thematic mapping
Baseline thematic mapping (BTM) is a digital integration of satellite imagery, land use, land cover, and topographic data to produce an "image map" with contour lines and vector planimetry information. Thematic mapping was developed to take advantage of improvements in digital processing and integration of spatial information, increased compatibility of multisource data sets, the wide use of geographic information systems to synthesize information and execute analyses customized for the user, and increased ability to present the data in cartographic form.
The data for baseline thematic maps are compiled from topographic, land cover, and infrastructure databases. Appropriate thematic information is superimposed on a base map, providing specific information for specific end users. Various combinations of thematic information may be displayed to optimize the map information for specific purposes
Remote sensing
As a base map, imagery provides information to the extracted planimetric or thematic detail. Sensitivity to surface expression makes radar a useful tool for creating base maps and providing reconnaissance abilities for hydrocarbon and mineralogical companies involved in exploration activities. This is particularly true in remote northern regions, where vegetation cover does not mask the microtopography and generally, information may be sparse. Multispectral imagery is excellent for providing ancillary land cover information, such as forest cover. Supplementing the optical data with the topographic relief and textural nuance inherent in radar imagery can create an extremely useful image for interpretation.