GIS Application In Watershed Management

Traditionally watersheds were spatial extents that capture rainwater. Recently it has been identified that unless the watersheds are not managed in an integrated sustainable manner, then not only the water resources but also other resources such as vegetation, fertile soil, fauna and flora get depleted. Rational management of upper and lower parts of a watershed is equally important for the sustenance of the environment. Therefore it is extremely important to use an integrated spatial approach for managing watersheds and river basins. The remote sensing and GIS for watershed management constitutes theoretical aspects of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) & Remote Sensing and their application for watershed management. [Nature and Science, 2004,2(2):1-7] 1 Why is Watershed Important? Watershed is an area, which catches the water from precipitation and then is drained by a river and its tributaries. It is a “resource region” where the ecosystem is closely interconnected around a basic resource water. The watershed or river basin is therefore an ideal management unit. The watershed provides a powerful study and management unit, which integrates ecological, geographical, geological, and cultural aspects of the land. The watershed is also a useful concept for integrating science with historical, cultural, economic, and political issues. Water (movement, cycling, use, quality, etc.) provides a focus for integrating various aspects of watershed use and for making regional and global connections Using the watershed concept, one can start with study of any number of small sub systems (e.g., a particular marsh or sub-watershed; or a particular pollutant, such as salt), and continually relate these small-scale issues to questions of larger-scale watershed system health. We all live in a watershed. Watersheds are the places we call home, where we work and where we play. Everyone relies on water and other natural resources to exist. What you and others do on the land impacts the quality and quantity of water and our other natural resources. Healthy watersheds are vital for a healthy environment and economy. Our watersheds provide water for drinking, irrigation and industry. Many people also enjoy lakes and streams for their beauty and for boating, fishing and swimming. Wildlife also needs healthy watersheds for food and shelter. effective and efficient way to sustain the local economy and environmental health. Scientists and leaders now recognize the best way to protect the vital natural resources is to understand and manage them on a watershed basis. Everything that is done in a watershed affects the watershed's system. Ref. web site: http://www.srnr.arizona.edu/wsm/wsm462/EvesW ebPage.html