Suitability of Hammond's method for determining landform units in Slovenia

Abstract

Landform is often the most important factor in distinguishing between regions and an important element of geographic classification, typification, and regionalization; this is why morphological classification has had a long tradition in Slovenia and abroad. One of the best-known classifications was developed by the American geographer Edwin H. Hammond, who classified the landforms of the United States in great detail. Later on, his method was applied several times using a geographic information system and digital elevation model. Computer land-surface classification became more objective, whereas the selection of classification elements and their classes remained subjective. 
Hammond’s method of determining landform units is known throughout the world and this is why it has also been tested in Slovenia. First, the original classification elements were taken into account and only thirteen units of the twenty-one landform units specified by Hammond were selected. Due to weaknesses that were revealed, Hammond’s original method was suitably adapted: the form and size of the basic window and the boundaries between classification element classes were changed. Nineteen landform units were thus identified in Slovenia using the adapted method.