Remote sensing and information value (IV) model for regional mapping of fluvial channels and topographic wetness in the Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to map regions of near surface fluvial channels, mega-basins and topographic wetness in Saudi Arabia using remote sensing data and an information value (IV) model, which is a modified approach of weight of evidence. We used the new version of the Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) to delineate the fluvial channels, mega-basin, and slope. These hydrological parameters were used to index the topographic wetness of each mega-basin in the region based on IV in a Geographic Information System. We validated our method using the Space Imaging Radar-C and Landsat 8 images and compared the textural features (fluvial channels) evident from SRTM digital elevation model and to determine whether these patterns were different. Our results revealed that the region is drained by nine tributaries and that the Err Rub Al Khali and Sahba mega-basins have the highest value of the IV and topographic wetness values; the Arran and coastal mega-basins have the lowest value of the IV and topographic wetness values. An integrated approach is timely and economically effective and can be applied throughout the arid and semi-arid regions to help hydrologists and urban developers.

Keywords:

• remote sensing
• GIS
• information value (IV)
• Saudi Arabia
• fluvial channels

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the assistance provided by UAE National Water Center (NWC) and the UAE University Program for Advanced Research (UPAR).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by funds from the UAE National Water Center (NWC) and the UAE University Program for Advanced Research (UPAR) [projects numbers NWC-3-2013-31R008 and UPAR-7-2013-31N166].