Lack of data outside of DEM

[Bravery233]

I want to know that when using hydrological tools, if there are only DEM data and no other data sets, many tools cannot be used. For example, Level DEM needs to import lake vector data, and I don’t have such data. How can I solve it?

[JayantaPoddar]

Could you share details of "Level DEM" tool you are referring to? Any link to its documentation?

[Bravery233]

Thanks, I think I am not clear enough. For example, using the Level DEM tool requires unmodified DEM and lake surface features as input. I only have DEM data for the area and no lake (including small lakes) surface feature data. I want to solve this problem.

[DeanDjokic]

Many of Arc Hydro tools use optional data.  "Level DEM" is one of them.  The approach is rather simple - if you do not have the optional data, you do not need to use that tool (or that option in the tool).  Level DEM in particular flattens the DEM within the lake feature class (and can "push" the DEM down within the lake by the offset).  This is done to insure proper flow direction within the lake.  If you do not have lakes in your system, this operation is not needed.

[Bravery233]

I see, thank you!

[DeanDjokic · Accepted solution]

If you are satisfied with the answer, can you please mark it as "Accept as Solution".  That will place a "green check box" on the discussion and indicate to other users that the topic is "solved".  Thanks.