Quantitative morphometric analysis of a river basin using GIS techniques: Case study of Miljacka River, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

This paper concerns the analysis of the morphometric characteristics of the Miljacka river basin using the Digital Elevation Model of the terrain in the Geographical Information System. A quantitative geomorphological analysis of general characteristics was performed, whereby the analysis was supplemented with specific parameters of the drainage system, which are of linear, areal and relief characteristics. Standard mathematical formulas and software tools for Surface and Hydrology in the GIS software environment were used to estimate the mentioned parameters, using ArcMap 10.4. By working in the Arc Map program, a database system was created, with the use of a grid system, which offers the possibility of overlaying geospatial data, extracting certain parameters and their analysis and synthesis. The analyzed parameters are indicators of the shape and recent processes in the relief. They represent a supplement in the inventory and typification of relief forms, which, thanks to GIS software, have a geographic reference, which facilitates their correlation. The importance of the conducted analysis is reflected in the fact that the obtained data have a numerical value, are verifiable and can be applied multiple times in practice for the purposes of determining erosive processes, protecting and improving space and the living environment, solving water management problems, planning economic activities and drafting spatial plans.