8.3.2. Thiessen Polygon Method

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is the Thiessen Polygon Method used for?

   Hint

   Think about rainfall variability and averaging techniques.

2. 2.

   Name one advantage of the Thiessen Polygon Method.

   Hint

   Consider how the method uses gauge locations.

3. 3.

   What primary advantage does the Thiessen Polygon Method offer over simpler methods?

   • It is faster to compute
   • It accounts for spatial distribution
   • It requires fewer data points

   Hint

   Think about what the method is designed to measure.

4. 4.

   True or False: The Thiessen Polygon Method assumes that rainfall is uniform within each polygon.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the characteristics of the method.

5. 5.

   Given a scenario with five rain gauge stations in a watershed with the following recorded rainfall amounts: Gauge A: 2.5 in, Gauge B: 3.1 in, Gauge C: 4.4 in, Gauge D: 3.6 in, Gauge E: 1.9 in. The area influenced by these gauges is 10 sq miles total. If Gauge A's polygon covers 3 sq miles, Gauge B covers 2 sq miles, Gauge C covers 1 sq mile, Gauge D covers 2.5 sq miles, and Gauge E covers 1.5 sq miles, calculate the mean precipitation.

   Hint

   Ensure you calculate the weighted average correctly.

6. 6.

   Describe a case where using the Thiessen Polygon Method would yield significantly different results from the Arithmetic Mean Method. Why would this be the case?

   Hint

   Focus on how the spatial configuration of rainfall affects outcomes.