Including the spatial dimension: using geographical information systems in hydrology

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Abstract
Developments in geographical information systems (GIS) technology have coincided with moves within hydrology to a more explicit accounting of space through distributed rather than lumped or topological representations. GIS support these spatial data models and provide integrating, measuring and analytical capabilities which have been used in many hydrological applications ranging from inventory and assessment studies through to process modelling. The many examples in the article illustrate how the technology has supported moves away from averaged value representations for catchments towards a greater inclusion of spatial variations in hydrological studies. While the potential of these systems is gradually being realized, there are still various issues, both technical and methodological, which at present limit their use. As new data sources become available, GIS data structures become more flexible and open, and, as the understanding of scale variations in processes improves, the possibilities for using the technology in hydrological research will expand.