Abstract
Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Stream Restoration
Track: Water Resources
Author(s): Sheeba Thomas
Maintaining sustainable environmental conditions in natural streams can be an integral component of effective watershed management that involves thorough analysis and planning measures that also include flood mitigation, storm water management as well as land use and development. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) serves as a valuable tool for complex geospatial analyses of large volumes of different types of interrelated watershed data. GIS is being used to study the correlation between land use/land cover, results of hydraulic models, water quality and habitat, locations of structures and utilities on one side and the spatio-temporal distribution of stream condition on the other side. These analyses are being performed in the watersheds in Bexar County, TX. After validation with field conditions, this methodology will not only be used as a valuable tool for evaluating existing conditions but also for predicting future impacts of development and changing climatic conditions on the streams.
Sheeba Thomas
San Antonio River Authority
600 East Euclid
San Antonio River Authority
San antonio , Texas 78212
United States
Phone: 210-302-4290
E-mail: sthomas@sara-tx.org