USE OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION-SYSTEMS LN GROUNDWATER-FLOW MODELING

Geographic information systems (GISs) offer data management and spatia l analysis capabilities that can be useful in ground-water modeling. M any regional ground-water models require large, unwieldy data sets, an d calibrating them has traditionally been a trial-and-error, hit-or-mi ss process. GIS provides automatic data collection, systematic model p arameter assignment, spatial statistics generation, and the visual dis play of model results, all of which can improve and facilitate modelin g. To utilize these abilities, however, GIS and ground-water models mu st be able to communicate. Researchers and practitioners have achieved this interface in three ways: (1) linking a GIS to a ground-water mod el through data-transfer programs; (2) integrating a model with a GIS database; and (3) embedding modeling capabilities within a GIS. This p aper emphasizes the usefulness of GIS in ground-water modeling and eva luates these three methods of GIS-model interfacing. Current needs are identified, and suggestions for future work are made.