Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatially distributed model for runoff routing

A method is proposed for routing spatially distributed excess precipitation over a watershed to produce runoff at its outlet. The land surface is represented by a (raster) digital elevation model from which the stream network is derived. A routing response function is defined for each digital elevation model cell so that water movement from cell to cell can be convolved to give a response function along a flow path and responses from all cells can be summed to give the outlet hydrograph. An example application of analysis of runoff on Waller Creek in Austin, Texas, is presented.