Hydrological & Terrain Analysis using WhiteboxTools

Introduction

This tutorial demonstrates how to perform hydrological and terrain analysis within QGIS. The workflow begins with downloading a DEM dataset, installing WhiteboxTools, and configuring QGIS to recognize the WhiteboxTools functions. Subsequent steps includes DEM preprocessing, flow direction and flow accumulation modelling, deriving slope and the creation of a Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) map.

Data & Software Requirements

• 30 m DEM of the Kananaskis region
• QGIS
• WhiteboxTools Open Core

Step 0: Installing WhiteboxTools

Download WhiteboxTools Open Core: WhiteboxTools Download Page

After downloading, extract the .zip file and place the folder somewhere easy to find. For example, You may store it in:

• C:\Program Files\WhiteboxTools\*

Configuring WhiteboxTools in QGIS:

1. Installing the WhiteboxTools plugin.

In QGIS, open: Plugins → Manage and Install Plugins In the search bar, type "WhiteboxTools". The plugin should appear in the list. Select it and click Install Plugin. [insert image]