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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Tucson, Arizona » SWRC » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #167402
Title: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT DECISION MAKING 1421

Author
item MILLER, R. - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
item Heilman, Philip - Phil
item GUERTIN, D. - UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Submitted to: Journal of the American Water Resources Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2004
Publication Date: 4/1/2004
Citation: Miller, R., Heilman, P., Guertin, D.P. 2004. Information technology in watershed management decision making. Journal Amrican Water Resources Association 40(2): 347-357.

Interpretive Summary: Information technology has had a profound influence on watershed management over the past decade. Advances in data acquisition through remote sensing, data utilization through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), an date sharing through the Internet have provide watershed managers with easy access to more information to improve management decisions. While information technology is an integral part in the decision making process, research in information technology is performed by other disciplines. This paper discusses the current role and potential future improvements in information technology for watershed management, specifically concentrating on Geographic Information Systems, Internet based hydrologic applications, and decision support tools. A brief case study of an Internet-based spatial decision support system under development for rangeland watershed management is presented. Research needs for watershed related information technology such as Internet GIS, spatial databases, knowledge discovery and spatial decision support systems are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Watershed management decision-making requires cooperation and communication between federal, state, and local stakeholders while incorporating the biophysical and socio-economic processes. The public is increasingly taking part in environmental decision and the need for technology transfer from public agencies to stakeholders is greater than ever. Information technology has had a profound influence on watershed management over the past decade. Advances in data acquisition through remote sensing, data utilization through geographic information systems (GIS), data sharing through the Internet, and the use of models has provided watershed managers with access to more information for management decisions. While information technology has become an integral part of the decision-making process, research in advances in information technology and utilizing in watershed management decision-making. An overview of the use of technology in watershed management is provided specifically concentrating on GIS, Internet-based hydrologic applications, and decision support tools. A case study of an Internet-based spatial decision support system under development for rangeland watershed management is presented and research needs for watershed related information technology are discussed.