Web Service for extracting stream networks from DEM data

This paper describes the implementation of a morphology based algorithm for extracting stream networks from data as a Web Service within the framework of GeoBrain, an open, interoperable, distributed, standard-compliant, multi-tier web-based geospatial information services and knowledge building system. Unlike standard out-of-the-box GIS software, which uses the flow direction based algorithm and often produces streams that are spatially uniform, streams extracted with this Web Service correctly reflect spatial variability in dissection patterns. In addition, this Web Service is free and can be accessed from anywhere provided that there is an Internet connection and a standard Web browser.