WinBasin: Using improved algorithms and the GIS technique for automated watershed modelling analysis from digital elevation models

Abstract

WinBasin is a GIS-based watershed analysis system that can automatically calculate depressionless flow directions, delineate watersheds/sub-watersheds, extract realistic drainage networks, and calculate geomorphological indices and hydrological responses from digital elevation models. Several improved algorithms coupled with GIS techniques were proposed for automated watershed analysis. First, different from depression fill-up treatment methods, the depression watershed method coupled with the improved fuzzy c-mean algorithm allows the depression outlet location and flow directions to be determined. Second, by using the GIS-based point-and-click interface coupled with outlet-tracing and headwater-tracing algorithms, watersheds with user-specified outlets and realistic drainage networks can be easily extracted based on the derived flow directions. The analysed results can be exported to vector format for linkage with other GIS software. Third, the geomorphological indices and hydrological responses (width function and geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph) in a watershed can also be instantly derived based on the proposed algorithms and the GIS technique

Approximation of Flow Patterns for Submarine Channel Systems in the Arabian Sea using a GIS Approach

“…As has been stated by Jenson and Domingue (1988), DEMs almost always contain depressions that hinder flow routing. It has also been noted previously that omission of such depressions has a positive influence on enhancing the quality of elevation models (Lin et al, 2008). Several techniques have been developed for eliminating these undesired sinks as discussed by Jenson and Domingue (1988), Fairfield and Leymarie (1991) and Garbrecht and Martz (1997).…”

DEM-based Feature Information Index of Runoff Nodes

“…the head of channels), and their topological relationships (Jiang et al, 2013;Qian et al, 2013;Liu T. et al, 2013;Xie et al, 2013;Sun & Tang, 2013;Li, Y. S., 2013;Lin et al, 2008;Wilson, 2012;Iwahashi & Pike, 2007). The existing literature, however, mainly focuses on geomorphologic structures in watersheds, on hydraulic information (Xie et al, 2013;Sun & Tang, 2013;Li, Y. S., 2013;Lin et al, 2008;Wilson 2012;Iwahashi & Pike, 2007;Li, J. F. et al, 2005b;Wang 2012;Zhou & Liu, 2006;Liu, X. et al, 2011;Li, D. R. et al, 2008), and on energetic features (Liu, T. et al, 2013). Nevertheless, there is substantial interest in the information content of runoff nodes.…”

Watershed modeling using arc hydro based on DEMs: a case study in Jackpine watershed

“…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). However, few has been done to analyze the effects of DEM processing on watershed modeling accuracy (Konadu and Fosu 2009;Murphy et al 2007).…”

“…The "Hydrology" toolset in ArcGIS, developed by Esri (2004), has been commonly used for DEM preprocessing and surface stream simulation. WinBasin is a watershed analysis system that can automatically calculate depressionless flow directions, delineate watersheds/subwatersheds, extract realistic drainage networks, and calculate geomorphologic indices and hydrological responses from DEMs (Lin et al 2008). NRCS GeoHydro is an Arc-GIS application that can compute catchments, drainage points, drainage lines, and cross-section details for a storm event hydrologic model (Merkel et al 2008).…”