🧭 What is Stream Order Delineation?
Stream Order Delineation, derived from our high-resolution DEMSA2 dataset, is a hydrological process that classifies river and stream segments based on their position within a drainage network. Using detailed terrain models, we extract flowlines, identify confluences, and assign stream orders using established methods like Strahler or Shreve ordering.
This analysis enables clear understanding of hydrological connectivity, watershed structure, and flow accumulation—supporting better decision-making for water resource management, environmental planning, and infrastructure development.
Use-Cases
🌊 Watershed Hierarchy & Catchment Prioritization
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Define upstream vs. downstream importance
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Prioritize sub-catchments for restoration, conservation, or development
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Supports catchment-level planning and ecosystem services mapping
🌿 Stream Buffer Zoning & Setback Regulation
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Tailor buffer widths to stream order
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Aligns with environmental regulations (e.g., wider setbacks for higher-order streams)
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Helps manage erosion, pollution, and habitat encroachment
📈 Hydrological Modeling & Flow Accumulation Accuracy
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Ensures realistic runoff routing and discharge patterns
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Critical for sediment transport, floodplain analysis, and baseflow estimation
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Supports models like HEC-HMS, SWAT, and MIKE SHE
🐟 Aquatic Habitat & Ecological Connectivity
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Identifies critical habitats for fish migration and spawning
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Maps ecological corridors and sensitive upstream systems
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Useful for biodiversity assessments and conservation planning
🏗️ Infrastructure Risk Assessment & Design
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Evaluate hydraulic importance of streams at proposed crossing points
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Guides sizing of culverts, bridges, and stormwater infrastructure
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Reduces risks of over- or under-designed structures
🧱 Erosion & Sediment Yield Estimation
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Distinguish between erosion-prone low-order headwaters vs. sediment-transporting main channels
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Helps predict sediment deposition zones and plan for mitigation
Product Specification
We tailor each Stream Order Network Delineation to meet your specific project requirements. Your product delivery can consist of any of the following or more…
- A georeferenced visibility raster for use in GIS software or Google Earth.
- A georeferenced line dataset (shapefile), delineating the extracted stream network for the provided area of interest.
- Tailored additional product or service
- Optional services like buffer zones, flow direction grids, sub-catchment delineation, and ecological overlays
- Node-based shapefile marking the start points (headwaters), split points (confluences), and endpoints of the stream network.
- Catchment delineation based on flow accumulation and pour points
- Aerials, catchments, buffers, etc…
- A pdf map consisting of the visibility raster, stream order network and key hydrological features of your order area
Pricing
Pricing for our Stream Order Network Delineation service scales based on your specific project requirements. Pricing will vary based on the following
📞 Contact us for a tailored quote and to discuss your project directly with our team.
| Product | Details |
|---|---|
| Elevation Base Model | DEMSA2 or SUDEM required for area of interest (km²). |
| Consultation hours | Consultation hours are processed at R900 per hour. |
| Project specific derivatives | An additional R4 per km² for every |
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Product Cart
| AOI Name | Product | AOI Area | Price per km² | Processing Fee | Total Price (excl VAT) | Total Price (incl VAT) |
|---|
For large orders (>5 000 km2), please contact us directly as such orders are often heavily discounted.