ALTERNATIVE RIVER MANAGEMENT USING A LINKED GIS-HYDROLOGY MODEL

A geographic information system (GIS)-hydrologic model link was used t o aid in forming input files for the hydrologic model, SWAT (Soil and Water Assessment Tool). The link and SWAT prediction of streamflow vol ume were then tested for the Lower Colorado River basin of Texas. With no calibration, simulated monthly streamflow volume along the river w ar underestimated for the extreme events, but the relationship was sig nificant (R(2) = 0.75). Model results also suggest that urbanization f urther upstream can significantly affect streamflow downstream. The sy stem is general enough to be applicable to other river systems.