Flow Accumulation Analysis
Definition
Flow Accumulation Analysis is a hydrological GIS process that calculates the amount of water that would theoretically accumulate in each cell of a raster grid based on upstream flow. It identifies drainage patterns, stream channels, and areas with high runoff potential using Digital Elevation Models (DEMs).
Application
Environmental scientists use flow accumulation to map stream networks and identify flood-prone areas. Urban planners assess where drainage improvements are needed. GIS tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, and TauDEM compute accumulation based on flow direction rasters, helping visualize surface water behavior across landscapes.
FAQ
1. What is flow accumulation?
It represents the number of upstream cells contributing flow to a given point, showing potential runoff paths.
2. What is flow accumulation?
By using flow direction models derived from elevation grids to sum contributions from upstream cells.
3. What is flow accumulation?
A high-resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM).
4. What is flow accumulation?
Hydrologists, civil engineers, urban planners, and environmental agencies.
SUPPORT
© 2025 GISCARTA