Abstract

South African Water Resource Management System
Track: Water Resources
Authors: Peter Wilson

Due to the inaccessibility of accurate topographical data within South Africa, Aurecon has developed a model that makes use of contours, river networks and break lines to build and manage a national terrain dataset. The terrain dataset is used to derive a national catchment dataset ranging from Primary, Secondary, Tertiary and Quaternary catchments. Arc Hydro was chosen for generating the datasets that would be used to build a National Hydro Data Model for South Africa. By integrating all the elements required to manage the water resources for South Africa, we are able to make informed decisions and standardise how we disseminate and receive spatial information. The implementation of a Hydro Data Model will enable better use of current spatial information and allow development of new systems such as modelling and time series analysis. This will create a standardised workflow between consultants and government in managing our water resources.