Find streamheads (MDInf)

This tool is used to generate a streamheads grid by applying the MDInf algorithm (Seibert and McGlynn, 2007) and using a threshold value for stream initiation. The MDInf algorithm combines the advantages of the multiple flow direction algorithm as proposed by Quinn et al. (1991) with the use of triangular facets as in the DInf approach described by Tarboton (1997).

The user must specify:
The name of the input digital elevation model (DEM).
The name of the output streamheads raster. Streamhead cells will have a value of 1, non-streamhead cells a value of 0.
The exponent parameter, a number that controls the degree of dispersion in the resulting flow-accumulation grid.
The stream initiation threshold, a flow-accumulation value above which flow dispersion is not longer permitted.
If the stream initiation threshold is specified as 1) specific catchment area (SCA), 2) total catchment area, or 3) the number of upslope grid cells.

Grid cells possessing the NoData value in the input DEM are assigned the NoData value in the output raster. The output raster is of the float data type and continuous data scale.

References:

Quinn, P. F., Beven K. J., Chevallier P. and Planchon O. (1991), The prediction of hillslope flowpaths for distributed modelling using digital terrain models, Hydrol. Processes, 5, 59-80.

Seibert, J. and McGlynn B. L. (2007), A new triangular multiple flow direction algorithm for computing upslope areas from gridded digital elevation models, Water Resources Research, Vol. 43, W04501.

Tarboton, D. G. (1997), A new method for the determination of flow directions and upslope areas in grid digital elevation models, Water Resour. Res., 33(2), 309-319.

See Also:

Credits: