Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and NRCS could set up a system to where each watershed group had at least a
basic level online GIS system, data could be collected and compiled in this
system at certain times and then given to the watershed coordinator to the basin.
The Partnership could then take the GIS databases or shapefiles to persons who
have the capabilities to run models and perform statistical analysis for the entire
watershed area. If certain projects such as this could be implemented, there
wouldn't be the issue of having certain datasets in some areas and not others.
Timing for collecting the data would have to be impeccable and micromanaged in
order to accomplish this task.
9.7 Conclusions
This study reveals the usability and utility of GIS in watershed planning across
the Western Lake Erie Basin. Implementing GIS allows planners to view relation-
ships between variables that might not have been seen otherwise through the use of
paper maps or reports. It adds a scientific aspect to planning whether the planner or
manager directly uses GIS. As long as there is a connection between the planner
and GIS personnel, the planner will be in closer proximity to the data and knowl-
edge of how the underlying science aspects of the watershed relate to each
other visually. With increased knowledge of GIS, its functions, and capabilities,
the planner has a better chance of predicting future events that may occur in the
watershed. Preventative measures against flooding could be implemented more
timely with the aid of GIS.
This study also gives exposure to the Maumee Basin GIS Project web page,
which provides information on the University of Toledo's involvement in the
Western Lake Erie Basin Project. The web page provides an overall general look
of the basin area through a GIS viewer. It also gives the users links to other websites
that will help them in developing their own spatial databases. The ability to down-
load layers through an ftp server is a great way for data sharing and promotes
relationships between the users and the data manager.
In Nelson and Weschler's (
1998
) study, a GIS that involved stakeholders, poli-
tical personnel, governmental agencies, watershed organizations, and citizens that
spanned the Maumee Watershed was only a vision. With increased awareness of this
ongoing project through this survey, collaborations have been suggested that directly
tie into the goals and vision of the Western Lake Erie Basin Project. A representative
of US Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has contacted the author by phone
and email wanting to know more about the ongoing project in the Maumee Water-
shed Basin and how they can establish web services between our resources and theirs.
This representative and others from the US EPA are already collaborating with
numerous other partners, agencies, and universities on the examining and addressing
the non-point pollution and sediment aspects of the Maumee watershed and would
like to tie in with University of Toledo on data sharing and analyses. By emailing the
summary results to those who responded, more collaboration and correspondence
