What does impervious surface analysis primarily represent?

Impervious surface analysis primarily represents surfaces that do not allow water to infiltrate, such as asphalt and concrete typically found in urban environments. This analysis is crucial for understanding how urban development affects hydrology, as impervious surfaces can lead to increased runoff and potential flooding.

In many cases, streets and roads are significant contributors to impervious surfaces since they cover large areas and are often made from non-porous materials. Therefore, the representation of streets using lines is an essential aspect of impervious surface analysis, as it enables the assessment of the extent and impact of these surfaces on the environment.

While buildings are also important impervious surfaces, they are typically represented using polygons. Vegetation and water bodies are not considered impervious surfaces; instead, they are usually associated with areas that allow infiltration. Consequently, the line representation of streets in accord with impervious surface analysis forms an important foundation for evaluating the implications of urbanization on hydrological processes.