1. Integrating GIS with a Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation to Support Watershed Management
Paper by W. P. Gallimore and W. Xiang Papers & Proceedings of Applied Geography Conferences, 14:
Presented by Kaylyn Siporin, Environmental Studies Major, GEOG 370, 2/26/08

2. Use of Watershed Models
Problem
Watersheds are the basic unit for water quality management in an area. The evolution of ecological and environmental characteristics within a watershed are subject to natural processes and human activities. Few studies exist that use GIS to predict the future of watersheds.
Hypothesis
A basic GIS model of a watershed can assist in watershed management by producing future scenarios and impacts.

3. Properties of watersheds that relate to future management
Use of Arc/Info for the development of a watershed decision support system for the seven sub-basins of the Mountain Island Watershed in northern Mecklenburg County, North Carolina

4. Organization of Data
Data sources include USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, the Mountain Island Conservancy, the Mecklenburg County EPA Office, and a private engineering firm
Data organization in three divisions:
Physical
Land Use
Environmental

5. Calculation of Potential Soil Loss
Measured the watershed’s potential for soil erosion with the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation
PSL= R x K x LS x LUCC
Overlay was created by adding soil, slope, land use, and sub-basin together

6. Results Future land use scenarios could be generated
Natural State Model vs. Maximum Build Model
The resulting scenarios defined the environmentally sensitive areas and provide information to better control future development