Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems in Watershed Management: An Overview

Remote sensing (RS) data and geographical information systems (GIS) play an increasing role in the field of hydrology and water resources development. The applications of RS and GIS in watershed management include watershed modeling, watershed characterization and prioritization, and watershed development and management. This chapter reviews geospatial techniques, RS and GIS applications in watershed modeling, watershed prioritization, integrated watershed management, and spatial decision support systems. It also describes the current limitations of RS and GIS technologies in watershed management studies. For appropriate watershed management, an integrated watershed management approach combining watershed management practices can be developed, which will offer scope for poverty alleviation, social development, sustainable agriculture, and domestic drinking water supply. The integrated modeling tools combining numerical models and RS and GIS techniques can be effectively used as powerful tool for watershed management programs.