GIS as an analytical tool for soil moisture variability

Can GIS be used to help analyze soil moisture variability? Because of its ability to track variables and relate spatial areas with their descriptive objects, I believe the answer is a resounding yes.

Here are some of the advantages of using GIS in a study like this:

• Lets you set up multiple coverages of different variables affecting soil moisture
• Gives you an immediate connection between a specified area and its respective data
• Link data and graphs to a specific area on a map
• Sets up coverages for simple modeling
• Allows grid analysis of the topography of an area
• Simple transport of files through the .e00 format
• Easy accessibility to the internet community

Even though building the original database will take time and effort, I believe that the rewards of such effort will make GIS an irreplaceable tool in my analysis of the soil moisture variation in Little Washita.

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at jdev@mail.utexas.edu