6.9 Rural DEM Processing

The typical hydrologic analysis workflow consists of several steps, starting with the preparation of a digital elevation model (DEM) and followed by channel network extraction, basins and watersheds delineation, and vectorization of the results.

The automated “Rural DEM Processing” option includes the following steps for hydrological analysis:
1. Identify DEM problems using the Sink method.
2. Fill sinks in the DEM.
3. Resolve flat areas in the DEM.
4. Generate flow direction.
5. Calculate flow accumulation.
6. Create basins.
7. Generate watersheds.
8. Determine stream order.
9. Convert results to vector format.

*This command is typically employed when the DEM file covers a vast area, and the pixel size exceeds 10 square meters.