Alberta Lotic Riparian Zones Derived from Digital Elevation Model

A 2026 geospatial dataset from the Government of Alberta maps potential riparian areas adjacent to streams and rivers. It is derived from a hydrologically corrected provincial Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to identify lands strongly influenced by water. The project specifically focuses on lotic features, excluding isolated lakes and cultivated lands.

Use Cases

• Model floodplain extent and periodic flooding zones using DEM-derived riparian boundaries.
• Analyze potential wildlife habitat corridors and biomass productivity based on riparian zone proximity to lotic features.
• Assess erosion risk and sediment filtration capacity by mapping the transition zones between dry land and stream channels.
• Identify areas for water quality protection by analyzing surface runoff filtration provided by riparian vegetation buffers.

Strengths

• Derived from a hydrologically corrected provincial-scale Digital Elevation Model.
• Provides a focused geodatabase feature class for lotic (stream and river) riparian areas.
• Last updated in March 2026, indicating recent maintenance.

Limitations

• Excludes potential riparian areas associated with lentic features (wetlands and lakes).
• No allowance made for cultivated lands, which may limit agricultural landscape analysis.
• Isolated lakes are not included in the current mapping scope.

Provenance

Source

Government of Alberta.

Collection Method

Derived from a hydrologically corrected provincial Digital Elevation Model.

Freshness

Updated March 2026.

Geography

Province of Alberta, Canada.