Understanding how rivers change through time is critical for effective river management, yet assessing geomorphic condition across long river corridors remains challenging. Desktop geomorphic analysis of remote sensing data provides a cost-effective and data-driven approach to quantify river condition and change across large spatial extents. This presentation showcases desktop methods used to evaluate geomorphic condition and channel change in three major river reaches in the Murray–Darling Basin.
Using remotely derived datasets and GIS-based analysis, these studies characterised channel form and geomorphic change to understand the behaviour of the rivers to better understand river trajectory and guide future management. Key techniques included Digital Elevation Model of Difference (DoD) analysis derived from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to detect erosion and deposition, Relative Elevation Model (REM) analysis to assess floodplain connectivity, top-of-bank mapping, width-to-depth ratio analysis, longitudinal profile (long-section) analysis, and riparian willow mapping. Applied together, these methods revealed spatial trends of channel adjustment and supported interpretation of geomorphic drivers across extensive river reaches to inform management decisions and identify potential locations for management intervention.
We will highlight the practical advantages of desktop geomorphic analysis techniques, as well as their limitations, including data resolution constraints and analytical uncertainty. Emphasis will be placed on how integrating multiple analytical techniques strengthens geomorphic interpretation and management confidence.