Development of ArcGIS Assisted User Interface for Estimation of Watershed Morphologic Parameters

Abstract

Watershed morphological parameters are the important determinants of the hydrological responses of a watershed. Knowledge of such responses, particularly terms of runoff and sediment losses, help in prioritizing among sub-watersheds for intervening with conservation measures. In the present study, the ArcGIS tool developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and the interface programming macro language was used to develop a user interface for estimating geomorphological parameters. The interface was named as Watershed Morphology Estimation Tool (WMET). It estimates watershed-specific geomorphological parameters from user-specified inputs of watershed, contour and natural drainage network coverage features. In addition, it also performs watershed delineation and stream network generation. It can be customized as an icon in the toolbar of ArcGIS software. This interface was tested on a Digital Elevation Model of the Cowansvile region and of the St-Esprit watershed both located in Quebec, Canada.