Assessing the Level of Connectivity of the Riverscape Structure: A Spatial Graph-Based Approach

In recent times, there has been a growing focus on using graph theory approaches to plan and maintain terrestrial landscapes due to their ability to predict habitat connectivity. This research explored how fundamental graph theory concepts can be employed to measure riverscape connectedness and understand its significance. It also illustrates how a spatial graph-based approach can be instrumental in the more efficient conservation of riverine systems. This study investigates the topological importance of segments in preserving riverscape connectivity within the Kelani River basin. It employs betweenness centrality, a prominent network measure, to analyze a real-stream network. Subsequently, the segments are prioritized for preservation by utilizing the Integral Index of Connectivity within the riverscape's graph model. The paper then explores the weighted values of Betweenness Centrality and Integral Index of Connectivity to identify the highest priority hotspot as the final outcome. By evaluating the conservation value of stream segments and employing various assessment methods, we assess the significance of each segment within the Kelani River basin.