Stream Order or River Network using DEM Map in ArcGIS

Stream order is a method for identifying and classifying types of streams based on their numbers of Tributaries.

Create Stream Order in ArcMap

In this Tutorial, Learn How to create a Stream order or River Network using DEM Map in ArcGIS Software.

Add DEM Map in ArcMap Software, then open ArcToolbox.

Already open ArcToolbox, select Spatial Analyst Tool > Hydrology, and perform 3 tasks one by one – (i) Fill, (ii) Flow Direction, and (iii) Flow Accumulation.

Fill

Open Fill, select Input file- Dem Map, choose Output Destination and write the name, then click OK.

Flow Direction

Open Flow Direction, select Input file- Fill, choose Output Destination and write the name, then click OK.

Flow Accumulation

Open Flow Accumulation, select Input file- Flow Direction, choose Output Destination and write the name, then click OK.

Complete all 3 processes, Now open Raster calculator to calculate Flow Accumulation.

Open Search Box and search Raster Calculator. Raster Calculator window appears, double click Flow Accumulation Data (FLOW_ACCU) >=5000 (this value calculate for River Accumulation). Write-Output name and choose a destination and then click OK Button.

You can see the calculated Flow Accumulation Result (flow_accu_cal) ‘0’ and ‘1’. Value 1 mention to River Network.

Customize this Data to better understand River Network. Select flow_accu_cal data, Right-click, and choose Properties. Properties window appears value ‘0’ choose to blank color and click OK.

Stream Ordering Process

The next step is to perform the Stream Order. Open ArcTollbox  > select Spatial Analyst Tool > Hydrology > Stream Order.

Stream Order window appears, Input stream raster – Flow Accumulation Calculate Data (flow_accu_cal). Input flow direction raster – Flow Direction Data and then choose Output and click OK.

Now see the result of the Stream order.

The next Important part converts Stream ordering into Feature as well as Polyline Shapefile.

In the ArcTollbox > select Spatial Analyst Tool > Hydrology > select Stream to Feature.

Stream to Feature window appears, Input stream raster (stream_order), then Input flow direction raster (FLOW_DIRECT) and choose Output and click OK.

Now see the result of the Stream order Feature (Stream Network).

Customize Stream Network Feature Data, Right-click, and select Properties.

Stream Network Properties window appears, in the symbology group select Categories and choose GRID_CODE in Value field option, and click Add all values.

You can also change color, width and Label, to Better Understand Stream Ordering. Complete all of the Processes click OK button.

Now see the result of the Stream ordering or River Network.

Add Base-map and view to Amazing River Network, and check Better Accuracy level.