Integration of GIS and River Basin Network Flow Modeling

Author: John W. Labadie
Organization: Colorado State University

Department of Civil Engineering
Ft. Collins, CO 80523-1372
USA

Phone: (970)491-6898
Fax: (970)491-7727
labadie@engr.colostate.edu

The MODSIM generalized river basin network flow model simultaneously assures that water resources are allocated according to physical, hydrogeological, and institutional/administrative requirements. The extensive spatial data requirements of the model have prompted development of a MODSIM extension in ArcView GIS, allowing automatic generation of river basin network objects and topology from vector map coverages of the river basin, efficient preprocessing of all spatial and nonspatial data requirements in a GUI, and postprocessing of model results in convenient map displays suitable for evaluating river basin management strategies. An application of the MODSIM extension by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is presented for satisfying instream flow requirements for endangered species in the Upper Snake River basin.