Geomorphological mapping frequently applies highly compley symbology. Since no standardised legend system or ruleset exist, numerous symbols sets are available. Even though most geomorphological maps are created using GIS tools, symbol sets for GIS are not commonly available.

Here we present symbols sets based on the legend for high mountain systems established by Kneisel et al. (Kneisel et al. 1998) within the Working Group on High Mountains in Germany. We extended this system with coloured polygon symbols applicable for the delineation of process domains. The colour fills proposed correspond to the idea of process domains established within the GMK 25 legend, created by the national geomorphologic mapping research program in Germany in the 1980`s (Barsch & Liedtke 1980). This symbol set has been created for geomorphologic maps at a 1:25000 scale.

In order to preserve the legibility of the map, most of the symbols for processes and landforms have been created as marker (point) symbols. Therefore, landforms are not displayed with filled polygons. However, some landforms e.g. rock glaciers or moraines, as well as morphographic landscape elements are represented by line symbols. The symbol set has been generated in order to produce the geomorphologic map of the Turtmann valley, which is published here: Otto, J.-C. & Dikau, R. (2004): Geomorphologic System Analysis of a High Mountain Valley in the Swiss Alps. In: Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie Vol.48, 3, pp.323-341.

The symbols are available for ArcGIS, ArcGIS Pro and QGIS: