Inhaltszusammenfassung

The extraction of stream networks from digital elevation models (DEMs) and delineation of upstream riparian corridors (URCs) for stream sampling points (SSPs) are frequently used techniques in freshwater and environmental research. Selection of an accumulation threshold (AT) for stream extraction and delineation of URCs are often done manually. Two algorithms are introduced in this paper that allow for automated AT selection and URC delineation. ATs are selected to yield the highest overlap o...The extraction of stream networks from digital elevation models (DEMs) and delineation of upstream riparian corridors (URCs) for stream sampling points (SSPs) are frequently used techniques in freshwater and environmental research. Selection of an accumulation threshold (AT) for stream extraction and delineation of URCs are often done manually. Two algorithms are introduced in this paper that allow for automated AT selection and URC delineation. ATs are selected to yield the highest overlap of DEM-derived and traditionally mapped streams as well as to assure extraction of all mapped streams from DEMs. URCs are delineated after snapping SSPs to DEM-derived streams. The new tool showed similar or better performance than comparable algorithms and is freely available, interfacing the open source software packages R and GRASS GIS. It will improve the extraction of stream networks and the assessment of magnitude and scale of effects from riparian stressors (e.g. landuse) on freshwater ecosystems. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. » weiterlesen» einklappen

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