Abstract
The use of computer-assisted map analysis techniques for prediction of storm runoff from a small urban watershed in the United States is investigated. An automated procedure for calculating input parameters for the US Soil Conservation Service (SCS) method of predicting storm runoff volume and peak timing is presented. Advanced techniques of spatial analysis are used to characterize spatial coincidence, surface configuration and effective hydrologic distance. A limited verification of the automated procedure indicates that the model reasonably characterizes water flow. A sensitivity analysis of basin disaggregation suggests that the SCS method yields increased volume and peak discharge predictions as the watershed is divided into smaller and smaller subunits. As a means to demonstrate the practical application of the automated procedure, a simulation of the effects on surface runoff for a potential residential development is presented.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
Literature cited
Berry, J. K. 1985. Computer-assisted map analysis: fundamental techniques. Pages 369–386in Computer graphics '85 conference. National Computer Graphics Association, Fairfax, Virginia.
Berry, J. K., and C. D. Tomlin. 1983a. Cartographic modeling: computer-assisted analysis of spatially defined neighborhoods. Energy Resources Management Conference, American Planning Association, Vienna, Virginia.
Berry, J. K., and C. D. Tomlin. 1983b. Cartographic modeling: computer-assisted analysis of effective distance.In Machine processing of remotely sensed data symposium proceedings. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana.
Chow, V. T. 1964. Handbook of applied hydrology. McGraw-Hill, New York, New York.
Dickey, E. C., J. Mitchell, and J. Scarborough. 1979. The application of hydrologic models to small watersheds having mild topography.Water Resources Bulletin 15:1753–69.
Dunne, T., and L. B. Leopold. 1978. Water in environmental planning. W. H. Freeman, San Francisco, California.
Sailor, J. K. 1980. The use of a geographic information system in small watershed hydrologic modeling: an analysis of SCS stormwater modeling techniques applied to the Race Brook Watershed. Unpublished report, Yale University, School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, New Haven, Connecticut.
Sailor, J. K., and J. K. Berry. 1980. The use a geographic information system in storm water runoff prediction. Harvard Library of Computer Graphics, vol. 14:73–79. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
SIS. 1986. pMAP user's manual and technical reference. Spatial Information Systems, Incorporated, Omaha, Nebraska.
Tomlin, C. D. 1983. Digital cartographic modeling techniques in environmental planning. PhD dissertation, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
Tomlin, C. D., and J. K. Berry. 1979. A mathematical structure for cartographic modeling in enviromental analysis. Pages 269–284in 39th annual symposium proceedings. American Congress on Surveying Mapping, Falls Church, Virginia.
USDA/SCS. 1973. TR-20 project formulation-hydrology: computer program user's manual. US Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation Service, Washington, DC.
USDA/SCS. 1975. Urban hydrology for small watersheds. US Department of Agriculture/Soil Conservation Service, Washington, DC.
USGS. 1983. USGS digital cartographic standards. G.S. Circulars 895-A, overview and USGS activities; 895-B, digital elevation models; 895-C., digital line graphs. US Geological Survey, Washington, DC
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Berry, J.K., Sailor, J.K. Use of a geographic information system for storm runoff prediction from small urban watersheds. Environmental Management 11, 21–27 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867175
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01867175