Smart River GIS for Improved Decision Making

Smart River GIS

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1-D View

1-D w/ Time-step Graph

2-D View

2-D w/ Depth, Velocity & Usable Areas

Figure 1: Smart River GIS information flow and data processing steps focused on creating a better understanding of river systems for Management.

View the flowchart

With an increasing human population and a finite supply of water, management of rivers and their associated ecosystems is becoming an ever-more complicated issue for decision-makers across the Nation. Our understanding of river systems has improved because of developments in both technology and scientific understanding of ecosystems. Models have been used to predict flow and manage river systems for decades. As our knowledge of ecosystem processes and ability to collect more precise data increase, we find that we are data rich. However, multiple riverine georeferenced data layers generally do not align to allow comparable results and outputs. Often, differences in the spatio-temporal dimension of existing data cause significant obstacles. The next important step in better managing our natural resources is to effectively combine datasets and multiple model inputs and outputs for an enhanced understanding of these complex systems.

Smart River GIS allows simultaneous views of river hydraulics, species-specific habitat, and fish population simulations, for a better understanding of complex ecological interactions. We used existing data sets from the South Platte River in Colorado to develop a prototype, multi-layered geographic information system (GIS) which is usable by resource managers to improve their understanding of river ecosystems and make better-informed management decisions.

The field data were collected for a separate, completed research project (Waddle et al., in prep.). Our work focused specifically on aligning these data and various model inputs and outputs into one geospatially referenced database, then developing visualization products to display the information to resource managers.

We combined the following data layers, ensuring consistency in both spatial scale and geographic reference systems: physical river measurements (topography, flow, temperature, and geo-location), habitat characterization and location, and species life history. A flowchart of the information flow and data processing steps used to develop Smart River GIS is shown in Figure 1. We anticipate further model development by applying Smart River GIS to more complex river systems and validating its outputs with existing datasets.

To view animated demonstrations of this unique and straightforward way to examine river systems, select a link below (Note: animations are in WMV format and will open automatically in Windows Media Player).

1-dimensional view	1-dimensional view with time-step graph

2-dimensional view	2-dimensional view with depth & velocity suitability and weighted usable area

To learn more about this work or opportunities to collaborate, contact

Leanne Hanson
USGS Fort Collins Science Center
2150 Centre Ave., Bldg C
Fort Collins, CO 80526-8118

Phone: 970.226.9262
Fax: 970.226.9230
Email: hansonl@usgs.gov

Also at FORT:

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