maastikuprofile

Maastikuprofiil is a term used to describe a representation of the terrain along a defined path, showing how the land surface elevation changes over distance. It can refer to either a graphical or descriptive depiction, with elevation as the vertical dimension and distance along the route as the horizontal dimension.

A typical landscape profile is presented as a longitudinal cross-section along a line of interest. Elevation values are plotted against cumulative distance, creating a profile that highlights features such as slopes, plateaus, peaks, valleys, and drainage features. Profiles can be drawn for short field transects or long regional routes and may be derived from measured data or from digital models.

Profiles are produced from various data sources. Field surveys using GPS, total stations, or leveling equipment provide ground-truth elevations along a line. Digital elevation models (DEMs), LiDAR, or contour data offer high-resolution input for automated generation of profiles. The horizontal scale and vertical exaggeration can be adjusted to emphasize specific terrain characteristics. Profiles may be smoothed or broken into segments to reflect landforms or measurement limitations.

Applications of maastikuprofiil include geological and geomorphological analysis, civil engineering and transportation planning, environmental and land-use planning, and outdoor recreation or tourism planning. They help evaluate slope stability, drainage, flood risk, and visual impact, and support decision-making in landscape management. See also digital elevation model, contour line, cross-section, and transect.