HOW TO
Find the path of least resistance down a DEM
Summary
Instructions provided describe how to find the path of least resistance down a DEM.
Procedure
Before beginning, make sure that the elevation model used for the procedure is a DEM with a projection in feet or meters, and that it is not a floating-point raster. Also, ensure that there are no negative values in the DEM. If there are negative values, remove them before running the procedures.- Create a point feature that will be used to determine the source of the path.
- Run the Flow Direction tool to create a flow direction raster from the DEM.
- Use the Cost Path tool to generate the path of least resistance.
-Specify the point feature as the 'Input raster or feature destination data'.
-Specify the DEM as the 'Input cost distance raster'.
-Specify the flow direction raster created in step 2 as the 'Input cost backlink raster'.
-Specify an output raster. This symbolizes the path.
-Specify 'EACH_CELL' as the Path Type.
Article ID: 000009935
Software:
- ArcMap
Receive notifications and find solutions for new or common issues
Get summarized answers and video solutions from our new AI chatbot.
Discover more on this topic
Search for related information
Find training related to this topic
Explore ideas and give feedback
Get help from ArcGIS experts
Download the Esri Support App