The Riparian Analysis Toolbox contains three categories of tools for analysis of digital elevation, hydrographic, and land cover data within ArcGIS 9x: (1) Riparian Delineation Tools, (2) Buffer Width Calculators, and (3) Strategic Prioritization Tools. The Riparian Delineation Tools identify a topographically-defined riparian zone by elevation relative to stream channels. These delineations are intended to help identify biogeochemically active areas important for nutrient filtering. The Buffer Width Calculators estimate the width of buffer between each pixel of source area and streams using single or multi-direction routing algorithms (Baker et al. 2006, Tarboton and Baker 2008). The Strategic Prioritization Tools use these and similar calculations to rank existing buffers or candidate restoration sites by the amount of pollutant loading from upslope sources.
