Various methods of classifying stream networks are examined in terms of their attendant information losses. Grouping networks according to their mean source height scores well in this respect because it retains a considerable amount of the original topologic detail present in each individual topologically distinct channel network. Stream set values determine the structural properties of the network and the degree to which a given network is ‘compact’ or ‘lineated.’ Because of difficulties in interpretation, tests of random topology hypotheses are best conducted on networks sampled at a constant magnitude. A means of comparing the topologic structure of the main stem of two or more networks is developed, based upon the absolute limits and the expectation of the parameter mean source
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