A Novel Catchment Estimation for Super-Resolution DEM with Physically Based Algorithms: Surface Water Path Delineation and Specific Catchment Area Calculation

Hydrologists usually gain insights into topographic variability by using a high-performance algorithm to estimate the catchment area from digital elevation model (DEM) image. In literature, grid-based algorithms are more popular than contour-based algorithms; however, existing ones cannot reduce error when higher resolution DEM is available. This paper introduces new algorithm, formulated with physically-based concept, data. The formulation was derived semi-analytical solution of Laplace’s partial differential equation based on boundary element method (BEM). With this approach, can along smooth surface water paths (SWPs), which delineated in [1]. proposed validated standard synthetic surfaces, where theoretical specific areas (SCAs) for assessment exactly known. When estimating SCAs ordinary resolution, average estimated between 14.19 and 2.32%, but 77.8 17.0 %. resolutions, 12.5 0.88 meters, significantly reduces 15 0.8%.