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Abstract

Geographic Information System (GIS) tool was used to develop an interface (built-in macro) within ArcGIS for the estimation of watershed morphological parameters. This was developed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) language based on Arc Objects technology developed by the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI). The developed interface Watershed Morphology Estimation Tool (WMET) estimates watershed-specific geomorphological parameters from user-specified inputs of watershed, contour and natural drainage network coverage features. The interface generates all standard geomorphological parameters of the watershed including drainage density and hypsometric integral along with hypsometric curve from DEMs or digitized watersheds. The interface can quickly perform a sequence of activities including watershed delineation, stream network generation, and estimation of geomorphological parameters. It can be customized as an icon in the toolbar of ArcMap version 8.1 and above, developed by ESRI. This interface was tested on a DEM of the Cowansville region and on the St-Esprit watershed both located in Québec, Canada. The generated drainage networks for both watersheds were almost in line with the digitized drainage network. Moreover, the estimated geomorphological parameters precisely define the hydrologic behaviour of the watershed and qualitatively validated by interpreting the observed data. It was observed that the user interface in ArcGIS was an efficient tool for repetitive morphological parameter estimation, with minimal time and effort.