MODEL DATA, GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, AND REMOTE SENSING

There are three major types of data that are required to build a total maximum daily load (TMDL) model: data on model parameter values, the system, and the TMDL. An important aspect of parameterizing models is the physical realism of the parameters themselves. To accurately simulate the transport and fate of water quality variables, adequate information is required for point sources and nonpoint sources of environmental pollutants. The TMDL limits should be set to meet or exceed the water quality standards in the region so that the designated use of a waterbody may be met. Geographic information systems and remote sensing have become indispensable tools for developing regional simulation models that form the backbone of many TMDL analyses. The remote sensing interpreted data resources are increasingly being used for basin-scale simulation modeling studies and TMDL development.