HBV
Global high-resolution parameter maps
Overview
All hydrological models are simplifications of a complex reality and therefore need to be calibrated to obtain satisfactory streamflow simulations. Here we present high-resolution (0.05°) optimized parameter maps for the conceptual hydrological model HBV covering the entire land surface including ungauged regions.
The maps were produced using a novel parameter regionalization approach that involves the optimization of transfer equations linking model parameters to climate and landscape characteristics. The optimization was performed in a fully spatially distributed fashion at high resolution, instead of at lumped catchment scale, using an unprecedented database of daily observed streamflow from 4229 small catchments worldwide.
The regionalized parameters resulted in a median Kling-Gupta Efficiency (KGE) improvement of +0.29 (relative to uncalibrated parameters) in 4229 fully independent validation catchments. Improvements were obtained for 88 % of the validation catchments. Substantial improvements were obtained even for validation catchments located far from the catchments used for optimization, underscoring the value of the derived parameters for poorly gauged regions. For more information, see the following open-access publication:
Data access
The latest version (0.9) of the parameter maps, including the HBV model code used to derive the maps, can be downloaded here. If the dataset forms a key component of your research, we kindly ask that you give us the opportunity to comment on your results prior to publication. The data and code are released under the CC BY-NC 4.0 license and thus may not be used for commercial purposes. By using the data in any publication you agree to cite the corresponding paper.
