The study of the topography is important of in terms of distribution and flux of water (runoff) in natural systems. The automated extraction of topographic parameters (like stream network etc.) from digital elevation models (DEMs) using Geographic Information System (GIS) is one of the latest research endeavors carried out in the field of hydrology. In this study, the Mugamureru River basin (lying in the western part of Cuddapah District) was taken to analyze the different aspects of automatic drainage extraction. An initial comparative analysis was carried out between the drainage network derived from topographic sheets and the drainage network extracted from DEM using automated techniques. In a starling discovery a structural control over a major segment of the Mugamureru River was discovered as a result of inverse interpretation of the results. This also led to the delineation and mapping of the Paleo-channel course of the Mugamureru river – which otherwise was not apparently visible with the naked eye. From the comparison study with other maps (like Soil map etc.), a logical correlation could be drawn between the paleo-river course detected and the existing map categories. This application example of the GIS based Automated Drainage Extraction techniques, in a way highlights the efficiency of the technique in drainage network and watershed area extraction. This study also highlights the inter-applicability of subjects (GIS, hydrology and structural geology) in the interpretation of the results.
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GIS Weekly Magazine
Susan Smith
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Look for the next issue of GIS Weekly Magazine on May 28, 2012.
Each GISWeekly Review delivers to its readers news concerning the latest developments in the GIS industry, along with a selection of other articles that we feel you might find interesting. |
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