Abstract
Raster-based digital elevation models (DEMs) play an important role in distributed hydrologic modeling supported by geographic information systems (GIS). In this study, DEMs and stream network data were used to model the Jackpine Watershed in Ontario, Canada, using Arc Hydro Tools. The modeling results include stream network and catchment delineation. The effects of the DEM reconditioning process and the stream threshold value on the modeling accuracy were examined through three simulations. The accuracy was discussed by overlying the actual and simulated maps, as well as by comparing stream densities, network lengths and numbers of streams, catchment area, and number of catchments. Other possible methods to improve the watershed modeling were also discussed. It is concluded that Arc Hydro is capable of performing watershed modeling with satisfactory performance. It is shown that DEM reconditioning can improve the accuracy of watershed modeling. It is also implied that lower stream threshold value can not only lead to a more detailed stream network but also enhance the accuracy of catchment delineation.
Highlights
Raster-based digital elevation models (DEMs) play an important role in distributed hydrologic modeling supported by geographic information systems (GIS)
The effects of the DEM reconditioning process and the stream threshold value on the modeling accuracy were examined through three simulations
It is concluded that Arc Hydro is capable of performing watershed modeling with satisfactory performance
Summary
Raster-based digital elevation models (DEMs) play an important role in distributed hydrologic modeling supported by geographic information systems (GIS). Extracting characteristics of the watershed, such as stream network and catchment delineation is essential for hydrological analysis and water resource management in GIS (Zhang et al 2013). The foundation of these hydrologic models lies on how to obtain hydrologic and topographic parameters, i.e. watershed characteristics, from Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) (Ames et al 2009; Jenson 1991; Lacroix et al 2002). These two components, together with the generic programming framework, provide basic database design and set of tools that facilitate analysis often performed in the water resources area (ESRI 2004) With these tools, watershed characteristics such as stream network, flow length, catchment, and channel networks can be rapidly and reliably determined or extracted from DEMs (Lin et al 2008). Three simulations will be conducted to analyze the factors that influence the modeling accuracy
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