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overlay and data manipulation to preprocess the input data for the water model
(Haubner and Joeres 1996 ). GIS maps can be geocoded and georeferenced to a base
data layer (Haubner and Joeres 1996 ). Georeferencing is an important factor in
using GIS to map areas and their characteristics (Seth et al. 2006 ). All maps, e.g.,
land use, soil types, elevation, and piping network, when used together must be
geographically compatible with each other. In other words, they must have the
same map coordinate system. Once the data has been input into the GIS, various
analyses can be done with the data to understand the changing spatial patterns of
urban water data (Seth et al. 2006 ). For example, ArcGIS and ArcView extensions,
such as Spatial Analyst and 3D Analyst can be used to develop and manipulate
spatial relationships between different spatial data types (Seth et al. 2006 ). Hydro-
logic simulation results can be evaluated using GIS graphics output and spatial
analysis of the post-simulation data (Xu et al. 2001 ). A complete control of data
input and data manipulation is possible because visual display of GIS data compli-
ments the user interface of water resources models (McKinney and Cai 2002 ).
1.3 Urban Water Management
Urban water management is increasingly playing a critical role in determining the
readiness of urban localities to sustain steep population growth. As new sources of
water become less and less likely to show up in the near future a major effort is
being concentrated by environmental managers towards urban water management.
The growth of urban areas can significantly change the physical properties of land
surface increasing integrated vulnerability of inhabitants, agricultural land and rural
ecological life supporting systems (Niemczynowicz 1999 ). New and existing tools
are being experimented with in order to create a suite of integrated tools to serve as
a system to find solutions to urban water problems. The findings from urban
hydrological studies based on the calculations and modeling of urban hydrological
data is a necessary fundamental for meaningful water management not only in
urban areas but also in river basins (Niemczynowicz 1999 ). In order to turn present
problems in urban water management into future opportunities new technological
solutions as well as logistic and organizational methods have to be developed
(Niemczynowicz 1999 ).
1.4 GIS and Urban Water Management
Urban water management using GIS as a standalone tool or GIS coupled with
various water management models can provide solutions to urban water issues.
An urban water model usually requires extensive spatial data because of the
complexity of urban surfaces, flow paths, and conduits (Sample et al. 2001 ).
Previously, the process of watershed modeling meant the study of hard copy
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