Western Water Information Network (WWIN)

Project ID: 1201
Principal Investigator: Douglas Clark
Research Topic: Water Resource Data Analysis
Funded Fiscal Years: 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007
Keywords: None

Project Abstract

The Western Water Information Network (WWIN) research project was designed to be both a Reclamation-wide geo-spatial water supply information system that could be used to predict water conflict potential and also a geographic information system that could be used to provide basic spatial data required for the management of water in the West. For the former use, researchers gathered and published data indicative of basins at risk of conflict over water supply. Indicator variables included drought frequency, water quality, endangered species, non-native species, population growth, known basins in conflict, migration patterns, and water usage trends, tribal water interests, among others.

Special attention was given to T&E species, an especially contentious issue in the West. The WWIN project purchased data from NatureServe. Project staff also conducted a survey to determine which Reclamation operations could potentially impact endangered species. These two data types were combined in a map application to create the T&E Species Locator. This tool allowed a manager to click on a species of interest and then map the spatial extent of that species.

In addition, the WWIN effort succeeded in developing the very first graphic representation of Reclamation lands from tabular data provided by the Real Property Office. Other base data include hydrography, precipitation, soils, Federal lands, acreage in irrigated agriculture, etc.

The WWIN project was a proof-of-concept project that showed the potential for an enterprise geographic information system (GIS) within the agency. It provided the platform from which the subsequent system called DataSpace was developed. DataSpace provides base information on such important data themes as geology, hydrology, climate, Reclamation interests, political boundaries, transportation, land use and cover, and topography bureau-wide.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

The Western Water Information Network (WWIN) (final, PDF, 170KB)
By Douglas Clark
Publication completed on September 30, 2007

This bulletin summarizes the research results and potential application to Reclamation's mission.

Summary Report: Western Water Information Network Project (final, PDF, 1.6MB)
By Douglas Clark, Kurt Wille and Dennis Kubly
Report completed on August 31, 2011

This document is a final summary report of the work undertaken to establish an enterprise-wide GIS capability for the Bureau of Reclamation.


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Last Updated: 6/22/20