RivGraph review
A focused desktop GIS package for turning channel masks into measurable networks.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
RivGraph is an open-source Python package for researchers and GIS practitioners studying river and delta networks from remote-sensing imagery. It converts binary channel masks into directed, weighted graphs of connected links and nodes, and includes workflows for both river and delta processing. Its focus is deliberately specialized: users looking for channel-network extraction and analysis may find a closer fit here than in a general-purpose GIS, while people needing broader GIS functions should look elsewhere.
Its analytical workflow extends from skeletonization and link/node extraction through automatic flow-direction assignment. RivGraph can measure channel width and length, analyze centerlines, and calculate morphologic, topologic and dynamic network metrics. For delta work, it also supports island detection, metrics and filtering, plus along-channel mesh generation. These features connect mask preparation to network structure and measurement, rather than treating the input simply as a raster layer. The package also supports georeferenced raster and vector export, which helps carry outputs into other spatial workflows.
RivGraph is distributed under the BSD 3-clause open-source license, with no paid tiers described; installation is available through conda-forge or from source. It is desktop software for Windows, macOS and Linux, and the project provides notebooks, API documentation and community support. That setup suits solo researchers and small teams who can work with Python and want a focused river or delta analysis toolkit. It is a less suitable choice for users seeking a general desktop GIS, a hosted service, or broader software support channels. Choose it for specialized channel-network analysis, not as a replacement for a full GIS environment.
RivGraph pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Extracts directed, weighted graphs from binary channel masks
- Includes flow direction, topology, morphology and dynamic metrics
- Exports georeferenced raster and vector outputs
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on channel networks rather than general-purpose GIS work
- Requires Python and a desktop environment
- Support is centered on documentation and community
RivGraph fact sheet, pricing and score →
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