river-runner

River Runner is an open-source project hosted on GitHub that offers a compelling visualization of hydrological flow paths. It allows users to pinpoint any location on a map and simulate the journey of a single rain droplet from that point to its ultimate endpoint, typically a larger body of water or the ocean. This powerful tool provides an intuitive way to understand watershed connectivity and surface water drainage patterns.

The project leverages robust and comprehensive USGS and MERIT Basin data, which are critical for accurately modeling terrain elevation and river networks. By integrating these high-resolution geospatial datasets, River Runner can generate precise and informative visualizations of water flow. This makes it an invaluable resource for environmental scientists, hydrologists, and educators seeking to demonstrate the intricate processes of water movement across landscapes.

Functionally, River Runner is designed as an analytical and educational platform rather than a data repository. It processes existing open data to create dynamic visual outputs, highlighting the practical application of geospatial data analysis. Its interactive nature encourages exploration and provides a deeper understanding of how precipitation contributes to river systems and ultimately shapes our environment. The project exemplifies how community-driven software development can contribute to scientific understanding and public engagement in environmental topics.