Determining of Watershed Level using Geographic Information Systems. Case Study: Nam Sa Sub-basin of Bolikhamxai Province, Lao PDR.
Abstract
Background and Aim: This study investigates the development and application of a watershed classification model for the Sa River Basin, which covers an area of 248.2 km² in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It provides a critical foundation for sustainable watershed management and emphasizes the importance of data-driven, localized approaches in the planning of environmental resources.
Materials and Methods: The classification criteria include factors such as slope, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), geology, landform, soil, and forest cover. The overlay process integrates these thematic layers, utilizing spatial data analysis through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), specifically the ArcGIS software. This method combines multiple data layers to analyze and classify watershed quality effectively.
Results: resulting in six detailed basin class maps: 1A, 1B, 2, 3, 4, and 5. The use of GIS technology significantly enhanced the efficiency of this process, reflecting the advantages of modern technological advancements in environmental modeling. To evaluate the method’s effectiveness, the GIS-based approach was tested for its potential to enable efficient water and land resource management within the basin, ultimately aiming to support sustainable development.
Conclusion: The Nam Sa Sub-basin spans an area of 248.2 km² and exhibits a wide variety of watershed characteristics. These are classified into five distinct Watershed Classes (WSC): WSC 1: 23.51 km², WSC 2: 21.10 km², WSC 3: 47.59 km², WSC 4: 144.18 km², WSC 5: 11.77 km². Among these, WSC 4 is the largest, covering a substantial portion of the sub-basin. This class is characterized by particular features that exert a significant influence on water flow, sediment transport, and land-use suitability.
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