Automated centerline delineation to enrich the national hydrography dataset

Abstract

A common problem in the automated generalization of basemaps is extraction of important features for cartographic visualization purposes. The delineation of a stream network centerline poses unique challenges especially when variables such as stream order, channel depth, or flow rate are not available. This paper presents an algorithm for automated delineation of a continuous cartographic centerline through a flowline network encompassing a single subbasin. Six datasets testing the algorithm are drawn from the U.S. National Hydrography Dataset (NHD) to compare among delineations in landscapes with varying terrain and precipitation regimes. Centerline delineation provides a database enrichment, which adds functionality and enables cartographic generalization. A user-defined cutoff value permits progressively inclusive centerline delineations which may be targeted to multiple map scales and purposes. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.