Abstract: According to MSHDAI(Modified Shannon’s Diversity Area Index) and network distribution of surface water, an index named MSHDLI (Modified Shannon’s Diversity Length Index) was proposed to evaluate the spatial distribution diversity and scope of surface water in Shaying river catchment in central Henan Province. Furthermore, the surface water’s MSHDAI and MSHDLI and their correlation with PLAND (Percentage of landscape) and RD (River Density) with different mesh sizes were analyzed. Results reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between MSHDLI and RD (>0.9,<0.01); while the intrinsic link between MSHDAI and PLAND is more complicated. In terms of describing the diversity and scope of regional surface water’s spatial distribution, MSHDLI is of more characterization and stability than MSHDAI. They both increase as the mesh grain increasing from 100m to 5000m. The fabulous grain domain of MSHDAI is (100m, 200m); while MSHDLI is suitable for various mesh grains ranging from 100m to 5000m. Multiple waters can be described by MSHDLI. MSHDAI is powerless for the region with large reservoirs (lakes), whereas MSHDLI is applicable for various waters.

Key words: distribution index of surface water, Shannon entropy, river network density, percentage of landscape, applicability