Terrain parameters describe the morphological characteristics of a surface and are an important part of the application of geoscience. At present, there is still a lack of scientific and systematic research on the associations among terrain parameters. In this article, 14 representative terrain parameters are selected to explore their spatial association relationships by using the quantification methods of linear correlation degree, distribution similarity and influence degree. Then, we discuss the effects of the digital elevation model (DEM) cell size and landform region on the associations among terrain parameters. Furthermore, the mechanism of the association relationships among terrain parameters is also analyzed to achieve a better understanding of terrain analysis. This study revealed that the similarity in calculation methods, the derivation of terrain parameters from other parameters, the geographic significance of representations, and the characteristics and appearances of landforms are significant factors contributing to the associations of terrain parameters. The terrain parameters with strong associations remained stable with changes in cell size and landform region. However, terrain parameters with weak associations significantly respond to this variety of factors. We quantify the associations among terrain parameters, provide a new perspective for examining the associations among terrain parameters, and provide guidance for the selection of terrain parameters in geoscience research.

中文翻译：

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从数字高程模型量化地形参数之间的空间关联

地形参数描述了地表的形态特征，是地球科学应用的重要组成部分。目前，对于地形参数之间的关联性还缺乏科学、系统的研究。本文选取14个具有代表性的地形参数，采用线性相关度、分布相似度和影响度的量化方法探讨其空间关联关系。然后，我们讨论了数字高程模型（DEM）像元大小和地形区域对地形参数之间关联的影响。此外，还分析了地形参数之间关联关系的机制，以更好地理解地形分析。本研究表明，计算方法的相似性、地形参数从其他参数的推导、表示的地理意义以及地貌的特征和外观是影响地形参数关联的重要因素。随着像元大小和地形区域的变化，具有强关联性的地形参数保持稳定。然而，关联性较弱的地形参数对多种因素的响应显着。量化地形参数之间的关联性，为考察地形参数之间的关联性提供新的视角，为地学研究中地形参数的选择提供指导。