Research article - Peer-reviewed, 2007
A new triangular multiple flow direction algorithm for computing upslope areas from gridded digital elevation models
Seibert Jan, McGlynn BrianAbstract
Gridded digital elevation data, often referred to as DEMs, are one of the most widely available forms of environmental data. Topographic analysis of DEMs can take many forms, but in hydrologic and geomorphologic applications it is typically used as a surrogate for the spatial variation of hydrological conditions (topographic indices) and flow routing. Here we report on a new flow routing algorithm and compare it to three common classes of algorithms currently in widespread use. The advantage of the new algorithm is that unrealistic dispersion on planar or concave hillslopes is avoided, whereas multiple flow directions are allowed on convex hillslopes. We suggest that this new triangular multiple flow direction algorithm (MD∞) is more appropriate for a range of flow routing and topographic index applicationsPublished in
Water Resources Research2007, volume: 43, number: 4, pages: W04501
Authors' information
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment
McGlynn, Brian
UKÄ Subject classification
Fish and Aquacultural Science
Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
Publication Identifiers
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1029/2006WR005128
URI (permanent link to this page)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/14289