Conversion of

Point Rainfall to
Areal Rainfall
This presentation explores the importance of converting point
rainfall data to areal rainfall, the factors affecting this conversion
process, and the methods used to achieve it, including the
Thiessen polygon and isohyetal approaches.

Prepared By:
Sheena Ressa B. Miaco
Sunday Ivan A. Morial
Importance of Areal Rainfall
1 Flood Planning 2 Water Resource
Management
Areal rainfall data is crucial for
accurate flood risk assessment Areal rainfall estimates improve
and mitigation strategies. the management of water
supplies and irrigation systems.

3 Hydrological Modeling
Areal rainfall inputs enhance the reliability of hydrological models and simulations.
Factors Affecting Conversion
Spatial Variability Topography Storm Characteristics

The uneven distribution of Terrain features like The size, intensity, and
rainfall across a region mountains and valleys movement of rainfall
can impact the conversion can influence the spatial events affect the
process. patterns of rainfall. conversion to areal data.
Thiessen Polygon Method
Divide Area 1
The region is divided into
polygons based on the locations
of rain gauges. 2 Assign Values
The rainfall value at each gauge is
assigned to its corresponding
Calculate Areal Avg. 3 polygon.
The areal rainfall is calculated as
the weighted average of the
polygon values.
Isohyetal Method
Draw Isohyets
Lines of equal rainfall (isohyets) are plotted on a map based on gauge data.

Measure Areas
The areas between isohyets are measured using planimeters or GIS tools.

Calculate Areal Avg.

The areal rainfall is computed as the weighted average of the isohyetal areas
Comparison of Methods
Thiessen Polygon Isohyetal
Simple to apply but may not capture Provides a more realistic representation
the spatial variability of rainfall. of rainfall distribution but is more labor-
intensive.

Accuracy Data Requirements

The isohyetal method is generally The isohyetal method requires more
considered more accurate, especially dense rain gauge networks for reliable
for complex rainfall patterns. results.
Limitations and Assumptions

Gauge Density Topographic Temporal Data Quality

Effects Variability
Assumes adequate Relies on accurate
coverage of rain May not fully Assumes rainfall is and reliable rainfall
gauges to capture the uniform within the measurements
represent spatial influence of terrain time interval from gauges.
variability. on rainfall patterns. considered.
Conclusion and Applications
1 Informed Decision-Making2 Flood Risk Mitigation
Accurate areal rainfall data Areal rainfall estimates improve
supports better planning and the accuracy of flood
management of water forecasting and early warning
resources. systems.

3 Agricultural Applications
Areal rainfall data enhances irrigation scheduling and crop yield forecasting.
Introduction to
Double Mass
Analysis
Double mass analysis is a graphical technique used to identify
potential trends, changes, or anomalies in two related data sets
over time. By plotting the cumulative values of one data set
against the other, it helps detect potential shifts or divergences
between the two.
Purpose and Applications of
Double Mass Analysis
Purpose Applications

Double mass analysis helps identify It is commonly used in hydrology,

relationships between two interdependent climatology, and other fields to analyze
variables, such as rainfall and runoff, to changes in precipitation, streamflow, and
better understand underlying trends and other environmental data over time.
patterns.
Assumptions and Limitations of
Double Mass Analysis

1 Assumptions 2 Limitations 3 Considerations

The data sets must It cannot detect The analysis is
be proportional and nonlinear sensitive to the time
show a linear relationships or period and data
relationship for identify the selection, which can
double mass analysis underlying causes of influence the
to be valid. changes in the data. interpretation of
results.
Data Requirements for
Double Mass Analysis
Continuous Data Proportional Relationship
The data sets must have The two data sets should have a
consistent and continuous proportional relationship, where
measurements over time, without changes in one variable
gaps or missing values. correspond to changes in the
other.

Adequate Length
The data sets should have a sufficient number of observations to identify
trends and patterns reliably.
Step-by-Step Procedure of
Double Mass Analysis
1 1. Cumulative Data
Calculate the cumulative values for each of the two data sets over time.

2 2. Plot Curve
Plot the cumulative values of one data set on the x-axis and the
other on the y-axis.

3 3. Analyze Curve
Examine the resulting double mass curve for changes in the slope
or direction, which may indicate shifts or anomalies in the data.
Interpreting the Double Mass Curve

Linear Trend Change Point Divergence

A linear double mass curve A change in the slope of Divergence from the linear
indicates a consistent, the double mass curve trend may indicate an
proportional relationship suggests a shift or change anomaly or disruption in
between the two data sets. in the relationship between the relationship between
the two data sets. the two data sets.
Identifying Trends and
Anomalies in the Data
Trend Analysis
Examine the double mass curve for consistent linear trends, which can
reveal long-term patterns in the data.

Anomaly Detection
Look for abrupt changes or deviations from the linear trend, which may
indicate significant events or anomalies in the data.

Comparative Insights
Compare the double mass curve to other relevant data or information
to better understand the underlying causes of the observed trends and
anomalies.
Conclusion and Practical Implications
Versatile Tool Double mass analysis is a versatile and
widely-used technique in various fields,
from hydrology to climatology, to identify
and understand complex relationships in
data.
Informed Decision-Making By revealing trends, changes, and
anomalies in the data, double mass
analysis can support more informed
decision-making and problem-solving in
a variety of real-world applications.
Limitations and Considerations While a powerful tool, double mass
analysis has certain assumptions and
limitations that must be carefully
considered when interpreting the results.
QUIZ
Double mass analysis is a versatile and
widely-used technique in various fields,
from hydrology to climatology, to identify
and understand complex relationships in
data.
By revealing trends, changes, and
anomalies in the data, double mass
analysis can support more informed
decision-making and problem-solving in
a variety of real-world applications.
While a powerful tool, double mass
analysis has certain assumptions and
limitations that must be carefully
considered when interpreting the results.
Versatile Tool Double mass analysis is a versatile and
widely-used technique in various fields,
from hydrology to climatology, to identify
and understand complex relationships in
data.
Informed Decision-Making By revealing trends, changes, and
anomalies in the data, double mass
analysis can support more informed
decision-making and problem-solving in
a variety of real-world applications.
Limitations and Considerations While a powerful tool, double mass
analysis has certain assumptions and
limitations that must be carefully
considered when interpreting the results.
ANSWERS
THANK YOU!