Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to GIS and Remote Sensing in Watershed Management

• Fundamentals of GIS and RS

• Importance of geospatial tools in watershed planning

• Overview of global and regional datasets

• Introduction to QGIS, ArcGIS, and Google Earth Engine

Hands-On: Setting up GIS software and loading satellite imagery

Module 2: Watershed Hydrology and Morphometric Analysis

• Concepts of watershed hydrology and runoff

• Digital Elevation Model (DEM)-based watershed delineation

• Stream ordering and morphometric parameter extraction

• Watershed boundary creation and sub-watershed analysis

Hands-On: DEM preprocessing and automated watershed delineation in QGIS/ArcGIS

Module 3: Terrain and Soil Analysis

• Slope, aspect, and elevation modeling

• Soil texture, infiltration, and erodibility mapping

• Soil and terrain impact on water movement and storage

Hands-On: Create slope and aspect maps; overlay with soil datasets

Module 4: Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) Mapping

• Classification of LULC using satellite imagery

• Change detection and trend analysis

• Impact of land cover on runoff and sedimentation

• Supervised vs. unsupervised classification methods

Hands-On: Generate LULC maps using Landsat/Sentinel data

Module 5: Remote Sensing for Rainfall Estimation

• Satellite-based precipitation products (TRMM, CHIRPS, GPM)

• Temporal analysis of rainfall data

• Calibration with ground-based rain gauge data

• Use in flood forecasting and agricultural planning

Hands-On: Download and visualize CHIRPS/GPM rainfall data in GIS

Module 6: Integration of GIS and Hydrological Models

• Introduction to hydrological models (e.g., SWAT, HEC-HMS)

• Data input preparation from GIS

• Model calibration and validation basics

• Case examples of GIS-integrated modeling

Hands-On: Prepare inputs for SWAT model using QGIS/ArcSWAT

Module 7: Watershed Prioritization and Resource Assessment

• Ranking sub-watersheds based on morphometric and land cover factors

• Mapping erosion-prone and flood-vulnerable zones

• Integrating multi-criteria decision-making in GIS (AHP, weighted overlay)

Hands-On: Perform watershed prioritization using spatial analysis tools

Module 8: Rainfall Forecasting Techniques

• Rainfall trend analysis and anomaly detection

• Statistical and machine learning approaches (e.g., regression, time series, AI)

• Integration of satellite and historical rainfall data for forecasting

• Drought/flood prediction basics

Hands-On: Use Python or Excel to analyze rainfall trends and generate forecasts

Module 9: Thematic Mapping and Report Generation

• Creating thematic layers (e.g., water availability, erosion risk)

• Map design and layout for reporting and presentations

• Using GIS for policy and decision-making support

• Exporting maps and integrating charts and tables

Hands-On: Prepare and export a thematic report with maps and visuals

Module 10: Final Project and Presentation

• Group or individual watershed analysis project

• Combine rainfall, terrain, and land use data

• Develop a comprehensive management or forecasting plan

• Present findings and receive feedback

Hands-On: Complete and present final project using real-world data