The American Water Resources Association's 2006 Spring Specialty Conference on Geographic Information Systems & Water Resources IV is shaping up to be the don't-miss GIS event for this spring, with 44 technical sessions and 138 presentations, a poster session packed with superior presentations, an exhibit hall, and abounding opportunities to share information and network. Co-chaired by John Grounds of Grounds Anderson, LLC and David Maidment of the University of Texas Center for Research in Water Resources, the conference is scheduled for May 8-10, 2006 at the Renaissance Houston Hotel - Greenway Plaza in Houston, TX, and focuses on the myriad ways GIS assists in the management of water resources. Plenary speaker, Michael Talbott, Director of the Harris County Flood Control District will lead conference attendees through his outstanding program that integrates GIS with watershed modeling, flood control, environmental management, and infrastructure planning and maintenance.

With sessions that cover the spectrum of GIS in Water Resources, including:
Arc Hydro
Multispectral Classifications
Nonpoint Source Loading
Land Use Change and Impacts on Runoff
Stream & Watershed Data Development and Storage DFIRM Development
Ground Water Vulnerability Evapotranspiration Tools & Techniques in Flood Plain and Inundation Mapping National Hydrography Dataset (NHD)
Disaster Preparedness & Response LIDAR Data Coastal Flood Plain
Modeling & Mapping Stream Restoration & Aquatic Resources Public Water Distribution Systems SWAT & Agriculture

...the conference will appeal to:

• Water Resources and GIS professionals from engineering, academia, government, and consulting practices,
• Policy makers and elected officials in water resources related positions,
• Water utility and infrastructure owners and operators,
• Faculty and students from GIS and water resource programs at colleges and universities,
• Members of related associations who focus on ecology, wetlands, forestry, ground water or water conservation, and
• Members of watershed groups and other water-related volunteer organizations!

The complete program and registration information are available now at http://www.awra.org/meetings/Houston2006/index.html. Make plans now to attend.

Founded in 1964, the American Water Resources Association is a non-profit professional association dedicated to the advancement of men and women in water resources management, research, and education. It's mission is to advance multidisciplinary water resources education, management and research.