Design and integration of a GIS-based data model for the regional hydrologic simulation in Meijiang watershed, China

This paper presents the design and integration of a GIS-based data model for the regional hydrologic simulation in the Meijiang watershed, China. Hydrologic systems (HS) require integration of data and models simulating different processes. Here, an object-oriented approach using Unified Modeling Language (UML) is introduced, which supports the development of GIS-based Geodatabase model—GeoHydro/DataBase (GH/DB). Spatial data, such as basins, stream network, and observation stations are stored in the feature classes. The time series and their attributes are included in the tables. Relationship classes are used to link associated objects. The new development within the scientific program OpenGeoSys (OGS) is the integration of GH/DB into the numerical simulations. The graphical user interface is implemented for the pre- and post-processing of the simulation. As for the case study, a regional hydrologic model is developed in the Meijiang watershed area for the understanding of water infiltration from surface into groundwater via soil layer with various time scales. The integration of databases and modeling tool represents the comprehensive hydrosystems and thus it is a useful tool to understand the different processes and interactions between the related hydrological compartments.