Delineation of the Luvuvhu Headwater Catchment using high-resolution
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
Abstract
Hydrological studies pivot on the proper understanding of the drainage
system that is under investigation. It is imperative to delineate the
catchment and better visualise the area, especially in headwater
catchment assessments. Advances in technology have improved how
catchments are delineated and visualised. This has become integral to
understanding how the river system is distributed and the basis for
hydrological studies. Against this background, this research delineated
the Luvuvhu Headwater Catchment (LHC) using high-resolution Digital
Elevation Models (DEMs). The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM)
Global DEMs with a cell size of 30m resolution were used. Four DEMs
covering the study area were mosaicked before analysis and processed to
10m x 10m resolution. The research results were compared against the
conventionally used maps in similar studies. The delineated map showed a
highly defined stream network that was more detailed than the previously
used maps. The use of high-resolution DEMs thus produced a detailed
stream distribution of the LHC. Coupling catchment delineation with
ground-truthing will enhance the understanding and sustainable
management of headwater catchments.