Yogyakarta, October 26, 2026 — Master’s and doctoral students in Environmental Science at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) attended a guest lecture entitled “Geomorphometry: A General Concept and Its Applications for Environmental Studies,” organized by the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM, on Monday (October 26). Held online via Zoom, the lecture featured Ci-Jian Yang, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at National Taiwan University (NTU), Taiwan. Ci-Jian Yang is also an academic partner of UGM’s Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Environmental Science, contributing to knowledge exchange and the strengthening of international academic networks.
The guest lecture explored geomorphometry as a quantitative approach to measuring and analyzing the characteristics of the Earth’s surface. This approach helps researchers understand the relationships between topography, geomorphological processes, and environmental dynamics through the use of spatial data and modeling. Geomorphometry has applications in various environmental studies, including landscape analysis, hydrology, and natural resource management.
In his presentation, Ci-Jian Yang explained the application of geomorphometry in hydrological studies, including the mapping of flow velocity, water depth, and river morphology. The lecture also covered bedrock incision, or the erosion of a riverbed into underlying bedrock, to help explain erosion processes and changes in river channel morphology. Analyzing flow characteristics and topographic conditions can provide insights into the geomorphological processes that shape river system dynamics.
Figure 1. Applications of geomorphometry in hydrological analysis.
The discussion continued with Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs), which are used to understand changes in landscapes resulting from geomorphological processes over time. Using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), topographic changes can be analyzed under various environmental process scenarios, including surface runoff and erosion. The speaker also introduced the Time-Area Method for analyzing the distribution of flow travel times within a drainage basin. These approaches demonstrate the potential of integrating topographic analysis, modeling, and hydrological data to better understand environmental dynamics.
Figure 2. Landscape Evolution Models (LEMs).
The lecture provided methodological perspectives for Master’s and doctoral students in Environmental Science to develop research using geospatial data and quantitative approaches. Knowledge of geomorphometry can support the analysis of landscape changes, hydrological studies, watershed management, and environmental risk assessment. In addition to enriching students’ academic knowledge, the event provided a platform for knowledge exchange with an international academic and strengthened academic ties between UGM and NTU.
Figure 3. Documentation of the geomorphometry guest lecture.
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Through this activity, UGM’s Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Environmental Science aim to broaden students’ perspectives and enhance their ability to apply geomorphometric approaches to analyzing various environmental issues. The lecture is also expected to strengthen knowledge exchange with international academic partners and create opportunities for research development and research collaboration between UGM and NTU.
The guest lecture also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through enhanced learning and knowledge exchange; SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through a deeper understanding of hydrological dynamics and water resource management; and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the development of scientific approaches to understanding landscape characteristics and supporting sustainable ecosystem management. Furthermore, the activity supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening the academic partnership between UGM and National Taiwan University.
Writer: Nurlaila Sahara W