Resource communication: Variability in estimated runoff in a forested area based on different cartographic data sources

• Published in: Forest Systems Vol. 26; no. 2; p. eRC02
• Main Authors: Fragoso, Laura, Quirós, Elia, Durán-Barroso, Pablo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) 20.10.2017
• Subjects: forested watershed; Geographic Information System; land use map; runoff estimation; Soil Conservation Service curve number; tree canopy cover factor
• ISSN: 2171-5068; 2171-9845
• DOI: 10.5424/fs/2017262-10921

Aim of study: The goal of this study is to analyse variations in curve number (CN) values produced by different cartographic data sources in a forested watershed, and determine which of them best fit with measured runoff volumes.Area of study: A forested watershed located in western Spain.Material and methods: Four digital cartographic data sources were used to determine the runoff CN in the watershed.Main results: None of the cartographic sources provided all the information necessary to determine properly the CN values. Our proposed methodology, focused on the tree canopy cover, improves the achieved results.Research highlights: The estimation of the CN value in forested areas should be attained as a function of tree canopy cover and new calibrated tables should be implemented in a local scale.