Determination of drainage networks from plot-size and basin-size areas

An algorithm to identify drainage networks from point elevation data is described. The algorithm is specifically designed to handle very fine grid spacings used to study erosion processes. The algorithm has been expanded to include basin-size areas. Flow paths are determined by recursively linking data and drainage networks are characterized using ordered flow paths. The algorithm is evaluated using data gathered from a physical model made from plaster, an erosion plot, and a basin-size area. It is shown to be an effective way to identify flow paths.