Effects of DEM Resolution on Surface Depression Properties and Hydrologic Connectivity

Abstract

Surface digital elevation model (DEM) resolution receives increasing attention because of its importance in topographic analysis (e.g., quantification of surface depressions) and hydrologic modeling. Varied and even contrary conclusions have been obtained concerning the effects of DEM grid size on surface depression properties. Land surfaces are featured with a number of microtopography-controlled, localized areas, and their connections may significantly alter hydrologic and geomorphologic processes. Few efforts have been made to examine the effects of DEM resolution on surface depression properties and hydrologic connectivity. This study aimed to evaluate such resolution effects by two dimensionless parameters: the DEM representation scale