Alternative river management using a linked GIS-hydrology model

Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS)-hydrologic model link was used to aid in forming input files for the hydrologic model, SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool). The link and SWAT prediction of streamflow volume were then tested for the Lower Colorado River basin of Texas. With no calibration, simulated monthly streamflow volume along the river was underestimated for the extreme events, but the relationship was significant (R2 = 0.75). Model results also suggest that urbanization further upstream can significantly affect streamflow downstream. The system is general enough to be applicable to other river systems.