September, 2000

Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
To Evaluate Water Resources

GIS is a computer-based software that can store, edit, analyze, display and generate graphics of geographically-referenced data at any scale. The ultimate aim of using GIS is to create a spatial framework to support decision-making in the management of water resources. GIS allows the user to create an image that can visually display the spatial relationships and interactions between different objects or geographic areas. The bottom line is that GIS saves the client money by saving time required to analyze a client's problem.

Advantages of GIS
Advantages of GIS include the capability of rapid analyses of massive amounts of spatially oriented data that can be visualized to interactively solve complex problems and manage real time situations. GIS streamlines data management and makes it easier to share crucial data throughout an organization or provide graphic electronic deliverables to a client or regulatory agency. GIS is also flexible in that it allows the user to easily update data sets and graphics as new data becomes available.

Uses of GIS
The uses of GIS are only restricted by the imagination and creativeness of the user. Water, soil or air data can be converted to grids or surfaces, which in turn can be used to calculate volumes of contaminants or water supplies. GIS can be used to design the infrastructure of water supply, storm water or waste water systems and to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the clean up of contaminated areas. Surface and ground-water models can incorporate data analyzed in GIS. Historical time-series sequences of data can be created that visually illustrate changes of concentrations or movement with time. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) can be integrated into GIS to provide exact locations of various spatial objects or areas. Using telemetry input into GIS, water supply or waste systems could be monitored in real time. The possibilities are endless; some other applications include permit tracking, risk analysis, demographic analysis, litigation support and waste management.

GIS and Your Organization
LBG has a staff experienced in GIS with technical backgrounds in environmental remediation, engineering, hydrogeology and geology. The professional background of our technical staff minimizes the time required for analyses resulting in time and cost savings for the client. Let us show you how we can apply GIS to finding solutions to your problems. For more information, visit our website at www.lbgweb.com. Click on Services, then GIS.

For over 56 years, Leggette, Brashears & Graham, Inc. has provided state of the art consulting services to our clients. The bulk of our work is repeat business from customers who have benefited from the value added services we provide. If you would like more information on how LBG can add value to your ground-water or environmental projects, or if you believe that a Web site would benefit your project, please contact your local LBG office for assistance.