Dynamic Scenarios and Water Management Simulations: Towards to an Integrated Spatial Analysis Approach in Water Urban Planning

Abstract

By combining and integrating different areas of knowledge (Urban Planning, GIS, Remote Sensing, Cellular Automata, Climatology, etc.) with the cities traditional infrastructures using new digital technologies, it is possible to generate more efficient urban systems. Therefore, it can support new forms of water governance. This study aims to reproduce environmental and water management scenarios using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and cellular automata as a methodological approach for spatial patterns simulations of urban growth (dynamic scenarios). Water consumption simulations plus floods modelling and environmental comfort simulations were integrated into the same SDSS (Spatial Decision Support Systems) environment as a GIS. To support the analysis, Dinamica EGO and Storm Water Management Model were chosen as modelling platforms. The simulations used the future land use trends (dynamic modelling) and legal aspects to evaluate the mitigation of floods with low impact development techniques (LID). Results indicated good runoff reductions with the integration of stormwater and dynamic modelling. This research expects to support interdisciplinary approach for urban planning teams making the water issues and urban planning issues closer and essential for the resilience of present and future cities.