The function of a GIS in hydrologic modeling is to improve the efficiency and/or quality by reducing the labor intensity of the map manipulations, table look-ups, and repetitious computations required to define input parameters; enable data collection and analysis within variable geographic constructs; and produce more meaningful data outputs in terms of maps, tables, and reports.

Topics: Overview of GIS Manual Approach to Input Parameter Generation Minimum information requirements to run an SCS model Characteristics of Land Cover in Area of Interest SCS Hydrologic Soil Groups GIS Requirements for the Modeling of a Complex Watershed Distribution of subwatersheds and network representation of a complex river basin GIS Implementation Issues Storage and Resolution Example of a detailed land cover distribution required for the modeling of a very small watershed Sources of Digital Format Geographic Data Digitizing Paper Format Data Sources

Intended Audience: primarily for civil, construction, and hydraulic engineers.

Publication Source: US Geological Survey