Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
(McKinney and Cai
2002
). It is beyond the scope of this chapter to discuss these
challenges in detail. Let us look at some of the ways in which researchers have
found solutions for these challenges. McKinney and Cai (
2002
), has shown how
the object oriented method can be useful in linking GIS and water resources
management models. GIS based Multicriteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA)
has become a popular research tool. According to Malczewski (
2006
), GIS-
MCDA can be regarded as a process that transforms and combines geographical
data and value judgments (the decision-maker's preferences) to obtain information
for decision making. The tools required to fully support an important hydrologic
decision are very complex therefore an integrated suite of tools is required and these
tools are referred to as Decision Support Systems (DSS) (Sample et al.
2001
). The
evolution of DSS may be seen as a natural extension of simulation models, GIS,
relational databases, and evaluation tools (Sample et al.
2001
). Furthermore, Sam-
ple et al. (
2001
), says that the best value for the time and investment in GIS use in
urban storm-water modeling and management is when it is integrated into a DSS.
Makropoulos et al. (
2003
), talks about how the development of a Spatial Decision
Support Systems (SDSS) in urban water management with a distinct spatial char-
acter as an indispensible tool can assist in the decision making process.
1.5 The Future
In the years to come urban hydrology as an applied science will play an ever
increasing role in the sustainability of human societies (Niemczynowicz
1999
).
Therefore GIS use in the field of urban water management has the ability to grow
to new heights and set an example for other areas of environmental sciences. We as
scientists and engineers need to fully tap on this potential. To make GIS a more
prominent feature in urban water management, scientists and engineers have
to work with GIS specialists and eventually be trained by them (Seth et al.
2006
).
The strength of GIS can become a link between specialists and nonspecialists to
help them communicate effectively (Sample et al.
2001
).
As mentioned earlier one of the many challenges associated with the integration of
GIS and water resources management models is adapting models to the GIS environ-
ment (McKinney and Cai
2002
). Working with spatial data can also be challenging.
Acquiring, maintaining, and utilizing the extensive spatial databases required in
increasingly used distributed, physically based urban storm-water management
models has to be performed by urban water managers (Meyer et al.
1993
). A number
of socio-economic and environmental factors affect water quality management issues
which is becoming more complex and diverse (Huang and Xia
2001
).
There is a another school of thought that says that though GIS has to play an
important role in urban water management it should not be the sole driving force
behind the growth of urban water management. According to Sui and Maggio
(
1999
), users should not be blinded by the fancy maps and graphics of GIS and
forget about the real issues of hydrological modeling. One of these issues is a broad
conceptual problem in the loose/tight integration of GIS and hydrological modeling
