A Script-Driven Approach to Mapping Satellite-Derived Topography and Gravity Data Over the Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt, Iran

Abstract Integrated geophysical mapping benefits from visualizing multi-source datasets including gravity and satellite altimetry data using 2D and 3D techniques. Applying scripting cartographic approach by R language and GMT supported by traditional mapping in QGIS is presented in this paper with a case study of Iranian geomorphology and a special focus on Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt, a unique landform of the country affected by complex geodynamic structure. Several modules of GMT and ’tmap’ and ’raster’ packages of R language were shown to illustrate the efficiency of the console-based mapping by scripts. Data sources included high-resolution raster grids of GEBCO/SRTM, EGM-2008, SRTM DEM and vector geologic layers of USGS. The cartographic objective was to visualize thematic maps of Iran: topography, geology, satellite-derived gravity anomalies, geoid undulations and geomorphology. Various cartographic techniques were applied to plot the geophysical and topographic field gradients and categorical variations in geological structures and relief along the Zagros Fold-and-Thrust Belt. The structures of Elburz, Zagros, Kopet Dag and Makran slopes, Dasht-e Kavir, Dasht-e Lut and Great Salt Desert were visualized using 3D-and 2D techniques. The geomorphometric properties (slope, aspect, hillshade, elevations) were modelled by R. The study presented a series of 11 new maps made using a combination of scripting techniques and GIS for comparative geological-geophysical analysis. Listings of R and GMT scripting are provided for repeatability.