Formulating an Optimal Drainage Model for the Calabar Area Using Cartographic Techniques

In order to achieve the task of formulating an optimal drainage model for the Calabar area, the Calabar drainage system was studied using some cartographic techniques to analyze its surface run-off and channel characteristics so as to determine how floods are generated. A morphological analysis was done, using detailed contour maps prepared for the study area. The “Blue line” and “contour crenulations” methods were used to recreate the expected run-off channels or drainage networks under natural non-urbanized conditions. A drainage structure with 6 major basins and 73 sub-basins was discovered. Existing storm drains were constructed without regards to this natural structure and so floods were generated.