Stream Order DEM Processing

How to create stream order from dem in arcgis [Link]

in detai

Creating stream order from a DEM (Digital Elevation Model) in ArcGIS Pro involves several
steps. These include preprocessing the DEM, deriving flow direction and accumulation,
delineating streams, and assigning stream orders. Below is a detailed guide:

Steps to Create Stream Order from DEM in ArcGIS Pro

1. Prepare the DEM

Import the DEM file into your ArcGIS Pro project. Ensure the DEM is hydrologically
corrected (fill any sinks if necessary).

2. Fill Sinks in the DEM

Use the Fill tool:

Go to the Analysis tab > Tools > Search for the "Fill" tool.

Input your DEM as the raster and specify the output raster location.

The output will be a hydrologically corrected DEM.

3. Generate Flow Direction

Use the Flow Direction tool:

Input: The filled DEM from the previous step.

Output: A flow direction raster showing the direction water will flow from each cell.

4. Calculate Flow Accumulation

Use the Flow Accumulation tool:

Input: The flow direction raster.

Output: A flow accumulation raster, indicating the number of cells flowing into each
cell.

5. Define Stream Network

1/21
 Use the Raster Calculator to define the streams:

Set a threshold value for flow accumulation to delineate streams.

For example: Con("FlowAccumulationRaster" > 1000, 1) (adjust the threshold

value as needed).

This creates a binary stream raster where 1 represents streams and 0 represents
non-stream areas.

6. Convert Raster Streams to Vector

Use the Stream to Feature tool:

Input: The binary stream raster.

Input flow direction raster.

Output: A polyline feature class representing the stream network.

7. Assign Stream Order

Use the Stream Order tool:

Input: The stream raster and flow direction raster.

Choose the stream ordering method (Strahler or Shreve).

Output: A raster where each stream segment has an assigned order.

8. (Optional) Convert Stream Order Raster to Vector

Use the Raster to Polyline tool:

Input: The stream order raster.

Output: A polyline feature class with stream orders.

Key Considerations
Threshold Value Selection: The flow accumulation threshold is critical for stream
delineation. Experiment with different values to get a realistic stream network for your
study area.

Projection and Units: Ensure the DEM has an appropriate projection (e.g., UTM) and
consistent units (e.g., meters).

2/21
 Stream Ordering Method: The Strahler method is commonly used for hierarchical
stream ordering, while the Shreve method calculates cumulative orders.

Would you like help with a specific step or setting up the tools in ArcGIS Pro?

What flowaccmulationRaster >1000,1 mean in simple?

The expression FlowAccumulationRaster > 1000, 1 in simple terms means:

1. FlowAccumulationRaster: This represents the raster where each cell contains a value
indicating how many cells flow into it (flow accumulation).

2. > 1000: It checks each cell in the raster to see if the flow accumulation value is greater
than 1000.

If a cell has more than 1000 contributing cells flowing into it, it qualifies as part of
the stream.

3. 1: If the condition is true (flow accumulation > 1000), the output assigns the value 1 to
that cell, marking it as part of the stream.

Cells that don't meet the condition (flow accumulation ≤ 1000) are usually assigned
0 or ignored in stream delineation.

In essence: It identifies cells with significant flow (more than 1000 contributing cells) and
marks them as part of a stream (value = 1). This threshold can be adjusted based on the size
of the study area and the density of the streams you want to identify.

I want exact stream match with with real world river stream
.how to do it

To ensure your delineated stream network from a DEM matches the real-world river network
as closely as possible, follow these detailed steps and guidelines:

1. Use High-Quality DEM

3/21
 Resolution Matters: Use a high-resolution DEM (e.g., 10m or 1m if available). Higher
resolution captures terrain details more accurately.

Hydrologically Correct DEM: Ensure the DEM is preprocessed to remove sinks and
artifacts. You can use tools like Fill to prepare it.

2. Incorporate Real-World Stream Data

Obtain real-world river/stream shapefiles or digitized maps for your area of interest.
These can act as a reference.

Sources: Government datasets, OpenStreetMap, or satellite imagery.

3. Preprocess the DEM for Better Accuracy

a. Burn Real-World Streams into DEM

Use the Hydro-conditioning process:

Reconditioning DEM (Burn-In): Lower the elevation of the DEM along real-world
stream paths to guide flow in the DEM-derived stream network.

Tool: Use the Raster Calculator or DEM Reconditioning tools in specialized software
like Arc Hydro.

Example: Subtract a small elevation value (e.g., 5m) along the real-world stream
paths to simulate actual flow.

b. Enforce Drainage Lines

Use the Drainage Enforcement method:

Enforce streams by carving or "burning" them directly into the DEM.

Tools: Use ArcGIS tools like Hydrology > DEM Reconditioning (available in Arc Hydro
or Spatial Analyst).

4/21
4. Adjust Flow Accumulation Threshold
Carefully select the flow accumulation threshold during stream extraction.

Match the delineated streams with real-world streams visually.

Experiment with values to align the generated stream density with observed rivers.

5. Validate with Real-World Data

Overlay your derived stream network with real-world river data to identify mismatches.

Adjust thresholds, burn-ins, or preprocessing steps as needed.

6. Calibrate with Satellite Imagery

Overlay high-resolution satellite imagery in ArcGIS Pro to check the accuracy of stream
alignment.

Tools like Google Earth Pro or freely available platforms can help with visual validation.

7. Use Advanced Hydro-Modeling Tools

Use Arc Hydro Tools or HEC-GeoHMS for advanced hydrological analysis.

These tools allow precise stream delineation and offer additional methods for matching
real-world networks.

8. Adjust for Local Terrain and Features

If your area includes dams, roads, or artificial obstructions, account for these features:

Use data layers for man-made structures to adjust flow paths manually.

5/21
9. Post-Processing
Snap Streams: Use tools like Snap Pour Points to adjust small mismatches between
delineated streams and real-world rivers.

Edit Manually: Use ArcGIS Pro's editing tools to refine and align stream vectors manually
where automatic methods fail.

10. Validate with Field Data (Optional but Ideal)

If possible, conduct field surveys to verify and adjust the stream network for maximum
accuracy.

Would you like step-by-step guidance for any specific part of this process?

why my stream oder in gis is different from real world

.explain in simple

The stream order in GIS may differ from the real-world river network for several reasons.
Here are the key factors explained simply:

1. DEM Resolution
Low Resolution: A coarse DEM (e.g., 30m or 90m) doesn't capture small terrain features
like narrow valleys or small streams.

Impact: This may cause the GIS-derived streams to miss smaller tributaries or place
streams inaccurately.

6/21
2. Flow Accumulation Threshold
Wrong Threshold: The flow accumulation threshold you set determines how many cells
contribute water to define a stream.

Impact: If the threshold is too high, smaller streams may be ignored. If it's too low, too
many streams may appear.

3. DEM Errors
Sinks and Pits: Unprocessed DEMs often have errors like small depressions that
interrupt flow paths.

Impact: Streams may start or stop in the wrong places, affecting stream order.

4. Real-World Modifications
Human-Made Changes: Real rivers are often altered by dams, canals, roads, or urban
areas.

Impact: These features aren’t always reflected in the DEM, causing mismatches between
derived and actual streams.

5. Natural Variations
Subsurface Flow: Some real-world streams rely on groundwater or subsurface flow that
DEMs cannot model.

Impact: Streams may appear in GIS where none exist in reality, or real streams may be
missed.

7/21
6. Stream Order Calculation Method
Method Differences: GIS uses methods like Strahler or Shreve to assign stream orders,
which might differ from how real-world streams are classified.

Impact: The hierarchy of streams may not match the real-world system.

7. Projection and Data Misalignment

Wrong Projection: If your DEM and real-world stream data use different projections or
coordinate systems, they won’t align.

Impact: Streams may seem offset or misaligned.

8. Incomplete Real-World Stream Data

Missing Data: The real-world stream data you are comparing with may be outdated or
incomplete.

Impact: Even if GIS-derived streams are accurate, they may not match because of gaps
in reference data.

Solutions to Match Stream Order

1. Use High-Resolution DEM: Higher resolution captures more accurate terrain features.

2. Hydrologically Condition the DEM: Fill sinks and burn real-world stream paths into the
DEM.

3. Adjust Threshold Values: Experiment with flow accumulation thresholds to match

stream density.

4. Incorporate Real-World Data: Overlay and validate using high-quality stream shapefiles
or satellite imagery.

8/21
 5. Manually Adjust Mismatches: Refine the GIS-derived streams using editing tools in
ArcGIS.

Would you like help troubleshooting your specific case?

what is the perfect resolution of for stream order

calculation

The "perfect" resolution for stream order calculation depends on the size of your study area,
the scale of analysis, and the specific requirements of your project. However, here are
general guidelines:

1. General Recommendations by Scale

Large-Scale (Global/Regional Studies):

Resolution: 30m to 90m DEM (e.g., SRTM or ASTER).

Use Case: General stream networks, watersheds, or large river basins.

Limitations: May miss small tributaries or local features.

Medium-Scale (Catchment or Sub-Basin Studies):

Resolution: 10m to 30m DEM (e.g., USGS 10m DEM or Copernicus DEM).

Use Case: Medium-sized watersheds with moderate detail.

Accuracy: Captures major and medium-sized streams.

Small-Scale (Local Studies):

Resolution: 1m to 10m DEM (e.g., LiDAR-derived DEMs, drone-based DEMs).

Use Case: Local hydrology, urban planning, or precise stream delineation.

Advantages: Best for matching real-world streams.

2. Factors to Consider
Terrain Complexity:

9/21
 In hilly or mountainous areas, higher-resolution DEMs (1m–10m) are preferred to
capture intricate stream paths.

In flat areas, even a 30m DEM might suffice.

Purpose of Analysis:

For broad studies, focus on regional-scale DEMs to save processing time.

For detailed hydrological studies, opt for the highest resolution available.

Stream Size:

Small tributaries require high-resolution DEMs (1m–10m) for accurate

representation.

Large rivers can often be captured well with 30m DEMs.

Data Availability:

High-resolution DEMs (e.g., 1m LiDAR) might not be available everywhere, and 10m
DEMs like Copernicus DEM are a good compromise.

3. Real-World Best Practices

LiDAR Data: Use 1m or 5m LiDAR DEMs if you need high accuracy, especially in small
catchments or urban studies.

Satellite DEMs: Use 10m (e.g., Copernicus) or 30m (e.g., SRTM) for regional analyses
where field validation is less critical.

Burn Streams into DEM: Regardless of resolution, use stream burn-in techniques to
improve accuracy.

4. Trade-Off: Accuracy vs. Computation

Higher Resolution: Better accuracy but requires more storage and processing power.

Lower Resolution: Faster to process but sacrifices detail.

10/21
Conclusion
For local and highly accurate studies: 1m–5m DEM (LiDAR or UAV-derived).

For catchments or sub-basins: 10m DEM (Copernicus, USGS).

For regional or global studies: 30m DEM (SRTM, ASTER).

Would you like advice on where to find high-resolution DEMs or how to preprocess them for
stream order calculations?

how to download dem data of dharan from alos pulasr

To download DEM data of Dharan, Nepal, from the ALOS PALSAR platform, follow these
steps:

1. Register for Access to ALOS PALSAR Data

Website: Visit the Earthdata Search or ASF Data Search.

Create an Account: If you don't already have a NASA Earthdata account, register for one.

Registration is free and allows access to various datasets, including ALOS PALSAR.

2. Search for ALOS PALSAR Data

1. Access the Data Portal:

Go to the ASF DAAC Vertex search portal: [Link]

2. Define Your Area of Interest (AOI):

Use the map interface to zoom in on Dharan, Nepal.

Draw a bounding box around the area to specify your AOI.

3. Select Dataset:

Choose ALOS PALSAR RTC (Radiometric Terrain Correction) or ALOS PALSAR DEM
datasets.

11/21
 4. Refine Search:

Use filters to narrow down the search (e.g., by date or coverage).

3. Download DEM Data

1. Select Files:

Identify and select the DEM tiles that cover Dharan.

Look for files with high-resolution options like 12.5m or 30m DEMs.

2. Download Files:

Click on the download icon for the selected tiles.

You may need to log in with your Earthdata credentials to proceed.

4. Extract and Process the Data

The downloaded files are often in GeoTIFF format.

Use GIS software like ArcGIS Pro, QGIS, or Global Mapper to open, view, and process
the DEM.

5. Optional Preprocessing
If the DEM data needs adjustments:

Reproject the DEM to the desired coordinate system (e.g., UTM Zone 45N for Nepal).

Clip the DEM to your study area (Dharan) using GIS tools.

Additional Resources

12/21
 ALOS World 3D (AW3D30): Another free global DEM at 30m resolution from ALOS
PALSAR, available via Earthdata or JAXA.

JAXA Gateway: Direct access to datasets from JAXA's ALOS website.

Would you like guidance on preprocessing the DEM after downloading it?

i need 1m dem data give me free website

Obtaining free 1-meter resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data can be challenging, as
such high-resolution datasets are often limited to specific regions and may not be globally
available. However, here are some resources and strategies you can explore:

1. USGS 1-Meter DEMs (United States Coverage)

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) provides 1-meter DEMs produced from high-resolution
lidar data, primarily covering areas within the United States.

Access via The National Map Downloader:

Visit the USGS National Map Downloader.

Navigate to your area of interest within the U.S.

Select the "Elevation Products (1 meter)" option.

Download available DEM tiles.

Note: These datasets are predominantly for U.S. territories and may not cover other regions.

2. OpenTopography
OpenTopography offers high-resolution topographic data, including 1-meter DEMs, for
various regions worldwide.

Accessing Data:

Visit OpenTopography.

Use the search tools to locate available datasets for your area of interest.

Download the data following the provided instructions.

Note: Coverage is not global; availability depends on the region.

13/21
3. OpenDEM
OpenDEM is a platform dedicated to free high-resolution DEM datasets.

Exploring Available Data:

Visit OpenDEM.

Browse through the list of available datasets to find data for your area of interest.

Note: The availability of 1-meter DEMs varies by region.

4. Local Government and Regional Data Portals

Many local governments and regional authorities provide high-resolution DEM data for free.

Steps to Access:

Identify the official geographic or cartographic agencies for your region.

Visit their websites to check for available DEM datasets.

Contact them directly if the data is not readily available online.

Note: Availability and access policies vary by region.

5. Academic and Research Institutions

Universities and research institutions often conduct studies involving high-resolution DEMs
and may share their data.

How to Proceed:

Search for academic publications related to topography in your area of interest.

Reach out to the authors or institutions to inquire about data access.

Note: Data sharing policies vary; some datasets may be restricted.

6. Commercial Sources
If free data is unavailable, consider commercial providers that offer high-resolution DEMs.

Considerations:

Evaluate the cost against your project requirements.

Ensure the data licensing terms align with your intended use.

Note: Costs can be significant; ensure the data meets your needs before purchasing.

14/21
Conclusion
While free 1-meter DEM data is limited and region-specific, exploring the resources above
may help you locate the data you need. If your area of interest is not covered by these
datasets, consider reaching out to local authorities, academic institutions, or exploring
commercial options.

For a visual guide on downloading free DEM data, you might find the following video helpful:

give other free source

Here are additional free sources to access high-resolution DEM data, which might include 1-
meter resolution data for specific regions:

1. Copernicus DEM
Resolution: Available in 30m and 10m global DEMs; some regions may have access to
higher resolutions.

Website: Copernicus Open Access Hub.

15/21
 Steps:

1. Create a free account on the website.

2. Search for your area of interest.

3. Download the DEM data (limited high-res data availability).

2. Lidar Open Data

Resolution: High-resolution (1m or finer) Lidar-derived DEMs for specific areas.

Website: USGS 3DEP Lidar Explorer.

Steps:

1. Visit the Lidar Explorer and select your region.

2. Check for available lidar data with 1m DEMs.

3. Download the files.

3. Global Land Cover Facility (GLCF)

Resolution: Medium to high-resolution DEMs, sometimes with finer datasets for smaller
areas.

Website: GLCF.

Steps:

1. Browse datasets for your region of interest.

2. Download DEMs compatible with GIS tools.

4. National Cartographic Agencies

Example for Nepal:

16/21
 Source: Survey Department of Nepal.

Website: Nepal Survey Department.

Steps:

1. Visit the website or contact the department.

2. Request high-resolution topographic or DEM data (may include 1m if available).

5. Sentinel Hub
Resolution: Not 1m, but often integrates with high-res DEM sources for custom analysis.

Website: Sentinel Hub.

Steps:

1. Register for a free account.

2. Use the EO Browser to find elevation data.

6. NASA Earthdata
Resolution: High-resolution DEMs derived from various NASA missions.

Website: Earthdata Search.

Steps:

1. Create a free Earthdata account.

2. Search for ALOS PALSAR, SRTM, or other DEM datasets.

3. Download the files.

7. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Resolution: 1m coastal DEMs in the U.S.

17/21
 Website: NOAA Digital Coast.

Steps:

1. Navigate to the website.

2. Select and download high-resolution DEMs if available for your area.

8. GitHub and Open Source Platforms

Search on GitHub for shared DEM data repositories. Many researchers and institutions
upload DEM data derived from public sources.

Example: Awesome Digital Elevation Models.

9. Google Earth Engine

Resolution: Various DEM datasets, including some high-res options.

Website: Google Earth Engine.

Steps:

1. Request access to Earth Engine.

2. Use the scripting environment to visualize and download DEM data for analysis.

10. National or Regional Lidar Data Programs

Many countries have open lidar programs providing 1m or better DEMs. For example:

Canada: Open Canada DEMs.

Europe: EU-DEM Portal.

18/21
Would you like detailed steps for downloading from one of these platforms or tips on
preprocessing the data?

what is the resolution of dem given by also pulsar

The resolution of DEMs derived from ALOS PALSAR depends on the specific product:

1. ALOS World 3D (AW3D30)

Resolution: 30 meters (global coverage).

Details:

Created using data from ALOS PALSAR.

Provides global coverage at a medium resolution.

Free for non-commercial use.

2. ALOS PALSAR RTC

Resolution: Typically 12.5 meters (provided by ASF DAAC).

Details:

Radiometrically Terrain Corrected (RTC) DEMs.

Available for many regions globally.

Freely accessible through the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF).

3. Higher Resolution Products (Commercial)

Resolution: Up to 5 meters or finer (commercial products).

Details:

These high-resolution DEMs are derived from ALOS PRISM stereo images.

Available for purchase through licensed distributors.

Key Points
Free DEMs:

30m (AW3D30) is the most commonly used free DEM from ALOS PALSAR.

19/21
 12.5m RTC DEMs are also available from ASF.

Commercial DEMs: For finer resolutions (e.g., 5m), you'll need to purchase through JAXA
or other distributors.

Would you like help finding the 12.5m RTC DEM or AW3D30 for your area?

for high res terrain corrected

For high-resolution terrain-corrected DEMs, ALOS PALSAR RTC (Radiometrically Terrain

Corrected) data is one of the best sources. Here's how to get it:

Resolution of ALOS PALSAR RTC DEM

Spatial Resolution: 12.5 meters.

Data Type: Terrain-corrected, with hydrologic corrections applied.

Coverage: Global (most landmasses).

Steps to Download High-Resolution ALOS PALSAR RTC DEM

1. Access Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF DAAC)

Visit the ASF DAAC platform: [Link]

2. Create a Free Earthdata Account

Register for an Earthdata account if you don’t already have one.

Sign up here: [Link]

3. Search for ALOS PALSAR RTC DEM

On the ASF search portal:

1. Draw a bounding box over your area of interest (e.g., Dharan, Nepal).

2. Select ALOS PALSAR RTC under "Datasets."

3. Filter by resolution to 12.5 meters.

20/21
4. Download the Data

Select the desired files and click the download link.

Log in using your Earthdata credentials to access the data.

Alternatives for High-Resolution ALOS DEM

1. AW3D30 High-Resolution DEM

Resolution: 5m and 2.5m (commercial products).

Access:

Visit the AW3D30 portal.

For free data, you will be limited to the 30m version.

Purchase higher-resolution data (5m or 2.5m) via JAXA's authorized distributors.

2. OpenTopography

Search for your area to find if ALOS-derived DEMs or other high-res terrain-corrected
DEMs are available: [Link]

Comparison with Other High-Resolution DEMs

If 12.5m from ALOS PALSAR RTC does not meet your needs:

Lidar DEMs: Explore lidar-based data sources (if available in your area).

Commercial DEMs: Providers like Airbus OneAtlas or Planet Labs offer high-resolution
options (1m to 5m).

Would you like step-by-step help with using the ASF search portal or advice on processing
the downloaded DEMs?

21/21