Regional hydrologic mapping of flows in stream networks

River low flow (LF) is an important hydrological characteristic used in management of the quantity and quality of water resources. A common way to transpose at-station low flow quantiles to ungaged locations involves development of regional multivariate regression models. In site selection studies of water control facilities, need arises to automate the mapping of LF characteristics onto the stream network in a continuous manner. This would allow estimation of LF at any desired ungaged location. A mapping algorithm is introduced that determines the value of regression model's independent variables (input components) over the drainage area of each stream pixel and calculates the flow (output). The mapping algorithm relies mainly on the digital elevation model (DEM) and its derivatives, such as flow direction and flow accumulation. Furthermore, the contribution of each independent variable of the regional model to the total flow may be plotted to represent the flow profiles along the streams. A case study involving LF mapping in rivers of Gilan province, Iran, where LF quantiles are required for issuing water withdrawal permits as well as maintaining water quality standards, is also described in the paper. Overall, the maps and profiles of flow statistics in the region of interest provide convenient visualization and assessment tools for water resource and environmental engineers. The transposition algorithm may also be applied in regional mapping of other flow characteristics such as flood or average flows.