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A new algorithm to automatically extract the drainage networks and catchments based on triangulation irregular network digital elevation model

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Abstract

A new algorithm to automatically extract drainage networks and catchments based on triangulation irregular networks (TINs) digital elevation model (DEM) was developed. The flow direction in this approach is determined by computing the spatial gradient of triangle and triangle edges. Outflow edge was defined by comparing the contribution area that is separated by the steepest descent of the triangle. Local channels were then tracked to build drainage networks. Both triangle edges and facets were considered to construct flow path. The algorithm has been tested in the site for Hawaiian Island of Kaho’olawe, and the results were compared with those calculated by ARCGIS as well as terrain map. The reported algorithm has been proved to be a reliable approach with high efficiency to generate well-connected and coherent drainage networks.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Hydraulic and Marine Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China

    Guo-dong Qu  (屈国栋), Dan-yang Su  (苏丹阳) & Zhang-hua Lou  (楼章华)

  2. Zhoukou Normal University, Zhoukou, 466000, Henan, China

    Guo-dong Qu  (屈国栋)

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  1. Guo-dong Qu  (屈国栋)
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  2. Dan-yang Su  (苏丹阳)
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  3. Zhang-hua Lou  (楼章华)
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Dan-yang Su  (苏丹阳).

Additional information

Foundation item: the National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2007CB714103)

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Qu, Gd., Su, Dy. & Lou, Zh. A new algorithm to automatically extract the drainage networks and catchments based on triangulation irregular network digital elevation model. J. Shanghai Jiaotong Univ. (Sci.) 19, 367–377 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12204-014-1511-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12204-014-1511-9

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