Vectorized dataset of silted land formed by check dams on the Chinese Loess Plateau

Abstract

Check dams on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) have captured billions of tons of eroded sediment, substantially reducing sediment load in the Yellow River. However, uncertainties persist regarding the precise sediment capture and the role of these dams in Yellow River flow and sediment dynamics due to the lack of available spatial distribution datasets. We produced the first vectorized dataset of silted land formed by check dams on the CLP, combining high-resolution and easily accessible Google Earth images with object-based classification methods. The accuracy of the dataset was verified by 1947 collected test samples, and the producer’s accuracy and user’s accuracy of the dam lands were 88.9% and 99.5%, respectively. Our dataset not only provides fundamental information for accurately assessing the ecosystem service functions of check dams, but also helps to interpret current changes in sediment delivery of the Yellow River and plan future soil and water conservation projects.