A digital cartographic source for numerical models in hydrology

A short review of digital data used in hydrological models is presented. There are three basic kinds of digital maps used in hydrology: raster images (scan, orthophotomap), vector maps and digital models (Digital Terrain, Landscape and Elevation Models). Hydrological models are used to analyze natural phenomena: free surface flow, the precipitation-outflow relation and groundwater flow. The choice of cartographic source depends on the problem to be solved. The article includes an analysis of two problems: (i) the solution of flood area due to extreme river flow and (ii) groundwater flow. In both cases, digital cartographic sources are presented.