River 3D Visualization and Analyzing Technique Using DEM

Considerable amount of data is needed for spatial analysis of river evolutions. Currently the terrain contour analysis or analytical methods for river and combined expertise are used in the evolution and trend analysis of the riverbed development. In this study, digital elevation model (DEM) based 3D visualization techniques were applied on the basis of OpenGL technology for 3D visualization of the rivers. The developed methods are used for DEM-based thalweg extraction, cross-section analysis, and analysis of river erosion and deposition of in river channels. This work improves the analysis of the river evolution by improving the readability and applicability.