River and Watershed Organizations are Key to Geospatial Understanding of Water-Related Hazards

Keywords: Watershed organizations, Geospatial data, Hazards
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

River and watershed organizations play a key role in place-based knowledge and monitoring of social, hydrologic, and ecological processes. Out of a larger research effort interviewing over 250 river and watershed organizations in the Intermountain West, 40 were identified as having a moderate to major role in geospatial data generation and use. These organizations are often focused on data and experiences related to hydroclimatic extremes and water-related hazards. Because these organizations depend on extensive collaborations and the integration of diverse knowledges, they are adept at integrating multiple sources of data as well as communicating geospatial data for multiple audiences. They also have keen on-the-ground insights on the context of geospatial data and the social, economic, political, and environmental factors that are key to interpretation and application. We highlight the geospatial contributions of river and watershed organizations as well as the opportunities for engagement with geospatial science experts.