Comprehensive evaluation of hydrological station network based on information entropy AHP-TOPSIS fusion

The study evaluates the hydrological station network from four aspects: station density, layout, monitoring capacity, and information volume. Information entropy combined percentage and the Nash efficiency coefficient were used to characterize the total monitoring information and data fluctuations. Seven indicators, including hydrological station (including water level station) density, were selected to construct an evaluation index system. The evaluation index values for six regions—Jinsha River, Min River, Tuo River, Jialing River, the mainstream of the upper Yangtze River, and Wu River—were analyzed and calculated, establishing an original evaluation matrix. A combined weighting method integrating the subjective Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the objective entropy weight method was applied to determine comprehensive weights for each hierarchical indicator. Comparative analysis of results from the entropy weight method, AHP, and combined weighting method revealed that three indicators—total monitoring information, mainstream-tributary coverage rate, and station density—accounted for 73% of the total weight. A TOPSIS-based evaluation model was developed to comprehensively assess the hydrological station network in the upper Yangtze River Basin. Results indicated superior performance in the mainstream of the upper Yangtze River, Jialing River, and Tuo River, with moderate outcomes in the other three regions. The findings provide a reference for optimizing and adjusting hydrological station networks.