GIS: IT’S APPLICATION FOR HYDROPOWER

DEVELOPMENT IN NEPAL
Report prepared for GIS SPATIAL ANALYSIS
2015DX03

July, 2017
Submitted To

Prof. Ying Ge
College of Earth Science and Engineering
Hohai University

Submitted By
Naresh Suwal (M2016012)
College of Water Conservancy and Hydropower

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Abstract
Nepal is endowed with colossal amount of water resources from the availability point of
view. Hydropower is viewed as a major means of economic growth for the country’s overall
development. The Perennial River and physiographic characteristics of Nepal offer immense
possibilities for the development of hydropower schemes of different scales, and various national
and international agencies have expressed their keen interest. On the other hand, Nepal’s
biodiversity resources, a fragile landscape, scattered settlement patterns and natural resource based
rural livelihoods are directly affected by hydropower development. Use of recent information
about place, people and scientific analysis is crucial for addressing the environmental and socio
economic impacts of development activities.
Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technology have the
capabilities to create, update and manage recent information about the earth’s surface and its
integration with socio- economic information; but these technologies have not been used properly
for the hydropower development sector in Nepal. This report is about the application of GIS and
Remote sensing technology to make the hydropower development environment friendly and to
create less impact upon the rural livelihood.
This report also discuss the case studies of different country where GIS tools are used for
Small Hydropower Assessment i.e. Canada, France and Italy.
Key words: GIS, Remote Sensing, hydropower, watershed management, Nepal

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Table of Contents
Abstract .......................................................................................................................................................... i
1. Introduction to GIS................................................................................................................................ 1
1.1 GIS Applications ............................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 GIS Operations .............................................................................................................................. 1
2. Introduction to Hydro power ................................................................................................................ 2
2.1 Hydropower Potential of Nepal .................................................................................................... 3
2.2 GIS and RS for hydropower development in Nepal ...................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Digital mapping ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 Drainage database system .................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Terrain analysis ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.4 Watershed mapping.............................................................................................................. 6
2.2.5 Integration of socio-economic variables............................................................................... 7
3. Some other Application of GIS in Hydropower ..................................................................................... 7
3.1 Reconnaissance studies for small scale hydropower development ............................................. 7
3.2 Hydropower Resource Assessment .............................................................................................. 7
4. Review of Case Studies for Small Hydropower Assessment Based on GIS Tools ................................. 7
4.1 Canada .......................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 France............................................................................................................................................ 8
4.3 Italy................................................................................................................................................ 9
5. Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 9
6. References .......................................................................................................................................... 10

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1. Introduction to GIS
Just as we use a word processor to write documents and deal with words on a computer, we
can use a GIS application to deal with spatial information on a computer. GIS stands for
‘Geographical Information System’.
A GIS consists of:
 Digital Data –– the geographical information that you will view and analyze using
computer hardware and software.
 Computer Hardware –– computers used for storing data, displaying graphics and
processing data.
 Computer Software –– computer programs that run on the computer hardware and allow
you to work with digital data. A software program that forms part of the GIS is called a
GIS Application.
With a GIS application you can open digital maps on your computer, create new spatial
information to add to a map, create printed maps customized to your needs and perform spatial
analysis.
A GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, querying, analyzing and displaying
geographically referenced data. Also called geospatial data, geographically referenced data are
data that describe both the locations ad characteristics of spatial features such as roads, land parcels
and vegetation stands on the Earth’s surface. The ability of a GIS to handle and process
geographically referenced data distinguishes GIS from other information systems.

1.1 GIS Applications

1. Since the beginning, GIS has been important in natural resource management including
land-use planning, natural hazard assessment, wildlife habitat analysis, riparian zone
monitoring, and timber management.
2. In more recent years GIS has been used for crime analysis, emergency planning, land
records management, market analysis and transportation applications.
3. Integration of GIS with global positioning system (GPS), wireless technology and the
internet has also introduced new and exciting applications. Here are some examples:
 In-car navigation systems find the shortest route between an origin and destination and
provide turn-by –turn directions to drivers.
 Precision farming promotes site-specific farming activities such as herbicide or fertilizer
application

1.2 GIS Operations

Although GIS activities no longer follow a set sequence, to explain what we do in GIS, we
can group GIS activities into spatial data input attribute data management, data display, data
exploration, data analysis and GIS modeling.

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 Spatial data input 1. Data entry: use existing data, create new data
2. Data editing
3. Geometric transformation
4. Projection and re-projection
Attribute data 1. Data entry and verification
management 2. Database management
3. Attribute data manipulation

Data display 1. Cartographic symbolization

2. Map design
Data exploration 1. Attribute data query
2. Spatial data query
3. Geographic visualization
Data analysis 1. Vector data analysis: buffering, overlay, distance
measurement, spatial statistics, map manipulation
2. Raster data analysis: Local, neighborhood, zonal, global,
raster data manipulation
3. Terrain mapping and analysis
4. View shed and watershed
5. Spatial interpolation
6. Geocoding and dynamic segmentation
7. Path analysis and network applications
GIS modeling 1. Binary models
2. Index models
3. Regression models
4. Process models
Table: A classification of GIS Operations

2. Introduction to Hydro power

Hydropower (or hydro energy) is a form of renewable energy that uses the water stored in
dams, as well as flowing in rivers to create electricity in hydropower plants. Like other forms of
electricity generation, hydropower uses a turbine to help generate electricity; using the energy of
falling or flowing water to turn the blades.
The rotating blades spin a generator that converts the mechanical energy of the spinning
turbine into electrical energy. The amount of electricity generated from each power plant depends
on the quantity of the flowing water and the height from which it falls. Some hydropower plants
have what’s known as ‘pumped storage’. This means at night, when demand for electricity is low,
water is pumped back up into the dam so it can be released again the next day when electricity
demand is higher.

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2.1 Hydropower Potential of Nepal
Compared to the country's size Nepal has huge potential of water resources. Its annual
surface runoff accounts for nearly half a percent (1/ 2 %) of the total surface runoff of the world.
The mean annual runoff formed only inside the Nepalese territory is around 174 billion m 3.
Whereas the total annual surface runoff including the flow from the Tibetian drainages accounts
for about 200 billion m3.
Although the available annual volume of water accounts only about ½% of the total available
quantity in the world, the geographical constitution of Nepal, with great variations in altitude (from
56 m to 8848 m) from the high Himalayas to the lowlands of the Terai over a relatively narrow
width (about 200 km) combined with abundant snowmelt and monsoon water offer tremendous
energy potential for generating hydropower. A small country like Nepal accommodates some of
the major tributaries of the mighty Ganges. The major river basins of Nepal are Koshi, Gandaki,
Karnali and Mahakali.
The average precipitation is about 1500 mm, 80 % of which is experienced during the
monsoon (June-September). The gross theoretical hydro potential of Nepal’s rivers, based on total
runoff has been estimated as 83,000 MW (Dr. Shrestha H.M). Potential sites are expected to
generate about 5l% of this potential on economically feasible terms.

2.2 GIS and RS for hydropower development in Nepal

Though Nepal has great potentialities for hydropower, there are lots of things to be
considered while designing a hydropower project. Because of geographic setting, there is variation
in terms of natural and socioeconomic settings from north to south and east to west. We can find
elevation variation from 65 to 8848m amsl within very narrow horizontal span from southern plain
area to northern Himalayan range. Nepal has three broad physiographic settings: mountains, hills
and lowlands (Terai). Around 6,000 rivers and rivulets flow from north to south connecting natural
resources and socio-economic situations of all physiographic zone. These rivers have distinct
catchments areas in different physiographic zones. Because of the fragile landscape, geological
structures and slope variation from north to south, the rivers of Nepal are known as very active
drainage systems. Change in river morphology accelerates landslides and mass movement in hill
areas and floods in the Terai region. People are using natural resources to sustain their livelihood
without considering environmental harmony. Hill areas have the most potential and the most
feasible sites for hydropower development, while more than 50% of total population lives in the
downward side; i.e., in the Terai region. Impacts upon the downstream side easily spread towards
the Terai lowlands.
Hydropower development in a rugged terrain of Nepal therefore requires the thorough study
of geology, topography, land use patterns, distribution patterns of biodiversity resources,
infrastructure, socio-economic activities, and so on. Understanding the vast altitudinal variations
requires three dimensional (3D) visualization. Because of the geographic settings, carrying out an
inventory, feasibility study and baseline survey for hydropower is very difficult, time consuming
and costly. But with the help of satellite imageries, acquiring recent and accurate information about
topography, land use pattern, river morphology, and geology is easier than the conventional way

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of field survey. Using GIS, we can manage all variables with reference to location, and can provide
a clear picture about the hydropower project area and its impact zone. The broad application of
GIS and RS technology for digital mapping, river morphology studies, terrain analysis, the
integration of socio-economic variables and for modeling and simulation have crucial roles for
hydropower development in Nepal.
Most of rivers in Nepal are ungauged or very poorly gauged and therefore, the observed
discharge data are not sufficient for the assessment of hydro potential. Therefore, GIS based
hydrological model is developed to simulate the discharge and is used to estimate the hydro
potential of the rivers in Nepal. GIS is used in following aspects of Hydropower.
2.2.1 Digital mapping
Maps are essential components for hydropower development. Topographic maps of
1:25000 scales are the most frequently used base maps in Nepal. For larger catchment areas, it is
difficult to handle several sheets of paper maps. With GIS, we can prepare the digital layers of
topographic maps and can handle multiple sheets in a single view. This offers immense potential
for interpretation and scientific analysis. Digital layers are very useful for overlay analysis. We
can analyze different layers independently or associated with multiple layers. We can perform
query functions and get quick views of our area of interest. Digital layers are easier to edit and
update than paper maps. If we conduct a survey of the project area by collecting GPS data we can
easily plot them in digital layers. Digital maps will be very useful to prepare project area map
quickly and accurately.

Fig1: Layer Management in GIS database

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2.2.2 Drainage database system
About 6,000 rivers originate from different physiographic region in Nepal. These rivers are
part of an active river system and change their courses frequently. Rivers have their own catchment
areas with distinct characteristics. For hydropower development and feasibility studies, detailed
information about river morphology and catchment areas is very essential. Using GIS and RS tools
we can easily map a river’s morphology and changing behaviors. Main rivers and their tributary
rivers do not have equal discharge. Discharge of a single river also varies in its upstream and
downstream portions, so it is necessary to carry out detailed studies about all rivers and their
characteristics. Some studies have been carried for large river system, but there is a lack of
information regarding small and tributary rivers.

Fig2: Drainage Network Map

For hydropower development in Nepal we need, first of all, detailed information about
major rivers, their tributaries and watershed characteristics. Using GIS we can calculate water
discharge, drainage density and drainage length and prepare a drainage database system. Using
satellite imagery we can update the changes occurring in river morphology. A GIS base drainage
database system provides the holistic scenario of a river system, which is not possible even when
conducting detail field survey.
2.2.3 Terrain analysis
Because of the altitudinal variation, two dimensional (2D) mapping is not enough to
understand the topographic characteristics of Nepal. Three dimensional (3D) mapping is another
beauty of GIS and RS technology. It provides a bird eye view of the landscape. With GIS we can
create a Digital Elevation Model (DEM), which offers a way to understand the immensely complex
topography of hill areas. DEM helps to calculate slope gradient, and north facing and south facing
slopes of landscape. These topographic features have significant importance while designing

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hydropower projects. Using DEM, for example, we can develop different models and simulations
to understand various scenarios after constructing a dam in the river channel.

Fig3: Terrain Analysis

Existing 3D values available on 1:25000 scale topographic maps are not enough for
hydropower development in hill area of Nepal. While conducting an EIA, feasibility study and
project design, detailed field surveys are expensive and time consuming. Due to this, most of the
reports lack detailed information regarding the slope variation. This may cause the project failure
or cause it to operate at less than full capacity. Using high resolution stereo pair satellite imagery,
we can generate contours with less than two meter intervals, which is very useful for understanding
the exact topographic settings and to reduce the effort of conducting field surveys.
2.2.4 Watershed mapping
Hydropower has a multiplier effect as compared to other development activities.
Hydropower development impact zones also extend beyond predefined administrative boundary.
Therefore, we need a watershed approach to understand the environmental and socio-economic
impacts. Landslides, land utilization practices, and forest cover changes have adverse impacts for
hydropower. Thus, it is necessary to carry a situational analysis of watershed areas. For example,
we have to monitor both landslide events are increasing or being stable and whether the condition
of the forest cover is improving or decreasing. These phenomenon play crucial roles for the
sustainability of hydropower. Using GIS and RS technology, we can easily delineate the watershed
areas. Recent satellite imagery provide recent information about the landscape. With remote

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sensing techniques we can determine the situation regarding landslides and forest area. We can
also compare the situation before and after project implementation.
2.2.5 Integration of socio-economic variables
Socio-economic impact assessment is another challenging issue in hydropower development.
To address the socio- economic impacts properly requires integrating socio- economic variables
with physical components. Feasibility studies, EIA and project design conducted for hydropower
tend to discuss the socio- economic and physical components separately. Integration of socio-
economic indicators with physical variables is lacking. GIS has the capability to handle the socio-
economic variable with reference to district, VDC or lower level administrative units. We can
overlay the socioeconomic information with land use, drainage network, watershed area, and so
forth, which is very useful for identifying vulnerable and beneficial communities. Some
hydropower projects need to relocate settlements in other suitable areas and pay compensation.
Using cadastral maps, we can easily identify the total land required to be compensated. Similarly,
GIS analysis also provides potential sites to which project-affected communities can be relocated.

3. Some other Application of GIS in Hydropower

3.1 Reconnaissance studies for small scale hydropower development
Small-scale hydropower schemes, used to produce either direct mechanical or electrical
energy, are attractive for remote small towns, villages or small industries. Expensive ground
investigations must be carefully targeted to the areas which are most likely to yield viable and
useful sites for hydropower development. A reconnaissance study, using GIS techniques, identifies
areas to yield useful sites for small-scale hydropower development and thus suitable for further
on-the ground investigation. Information about hydrological, demographic and economic factors
are combined to yield a map representing an overall index of potential for small-scale hydropower
development.

3.2 Hydropower Resource Assessment

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) tools can be used in identifying and classifying the
theoretical hydropower potential sites. GIS based hydrological modeling can be perform on raster
cells using topographical and meteorological datasets. Input datasets will include Digital Elevation
Model (DEM), landuse-landcover, soil map, watershed boundary, weather data (precipitation,
humidity and temperature).

4. Review of Case Studies for Small Hydropower Assessment

Based on GIS Tools
An analysis of the advanced experience in a number of countries using GIS technology for
the assessment of hydropower resources and potential construction sites is analyzed. Some
countries have developed interactive maps of these resources, which are available on websites
indicating site locations and the main technical and economical parameters, enabling users freely
obtain the necessary information, while others do not display the data on the Internet or provide it
to a limited extent.
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4.1 Canada
In 2007, the Rapid Hydropower Assessment Model (RHAM) developed by KWL was used
to assess the run-of-river hydroelectric potential for the Province of British Columbia (BC),
Canada, for an area of approximately 950 thousand square kilometers. Over 8000 potential
hydroelectric opportunities were identified. A powerful geographic information systems-based
computer model enabled the assessment to be completed in four months. RHAM was developed
using an ArcGIS 9.2 platform with the Spatial Analyst extension from ESRI Canada. GIS data
sources incorporated into the model included DEM data from Natural Resources Canada and
hydrology data from the B. C. Ministry of Environment. RHAM was run for the entire province.
Using DEM and mean annual run-off information, the unique algorithm of RHAM can
identify every significant stream and river within a given area, their respective flow rates
throughout the year, and the maximum elevation drops along each reach within a given distance.
The model does this by running both a topographical and a hydrological analysis simultaneously.
RHAM calculates the amount of hydroelectric power available on all streams in a study area,
screening out sites within parks and environmentally sensitive areas, and estimates project costs.
Although the model performed well from the beginning, KWL made adjustments to ensure
that it provided accurate results. For example, in some flat areas, the engineers corrected the DEM
data to ensure that streams flowed in the correct direction.
RHAM can also assess the suitability of hydroelectric development in a given area, taking
into account economic, environmental and social factors, and can assess storage hydro and
clustered developments. For British Columbia, this software tool is available on the Internet.
RHAM is being applied in other parts of the world to unlock hydroelectric potential.

4.2 France
For the evaluation of hydro potential at a regional scale in France, an innovative numerical
methodology was developed by combining GIS, the hydrologic and hydrographic characteristics
of sub-basins and rainfall maps .Taking into account the existing capacities and the potential of
existing non-hydroelectric dams, the tool made it possible to evaluate the residual hydropower
potential. The results, together with the outcomes of other studies, were presented on maps for
each of the main river basins that covered all of France. Much data collection was required, which
covered the following:
 Hydrologic and hydrographic characteristics of the basins;
 Rainfall and runoff distribution;
 Characteristics of existing capacities, non-hydroelectric dams, already identified projects,
and
 Various types of environmental protection, which could interfere with the development of
hydroelectric projects.
Regarding existing environmental protection, a ranking process was proposed for identified
hydro resources, resulting in four categories of potential from “available for development” to “non-
exploitable” potential.

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4.3 Italy
A methodology to evaluate the residual hydropower potential in Italy, taking into account
the current uses (such as irrigation and drinking water), with a numerical technique coupled with
a GIS was proposed. The model applied through GIS technology coupled the hydrological and
hydrographical characteristics of nearly 1,500 interconnected sub-basins and rainfall maps. Maps
of maximum and residual hydropower potential were produced and were found to be quite helpful
tools to support the power authorities’ decision makers and other stakeholders in creating energy
master plans and in implementing small hydro plants.
The macro-basin borders were obtained from the Italian digital elevation model (90 m × 90
m definition grid), through an ArcGIS tool called “Hydrology modelling”. The rainfall distribution
over each elementary basin was the main parameter used to determine the flow and consequently
to calculate the hydropower potential. The input data were taken from the mean rainfall map, which
was processed by the so-called “spline” interpolation method. The water stream discharge was
obtained using the runoff coefficients. The maximum hydropower potential was determined using
maps of water resource availability (that is, the discharge profiles of each river) and the related
geodetic heads. Water withdrawals, including in stream (ecological) flow requirements, were taken
into account to determine the real residual hydropower potential for a pilot catchment.

5. Conclusion
Hence, GIS has great role in hydropower planning, development, efficient operation and
effective management. It can be used in digital mapping, drainage database system, in terrain
analysis and in watershed mapping which are the backbone of hydropower development. It is used
in hydropower resource assessment and reconnaissance studies for small-scale hydropower
development especially in a developing country like Nepal. Other developed country like Canada,
France, and Italy also used GIS Tools to review the case studies for small hydropower assessment.
GIS and Remote Sensing have emerged as important tools for evaluation, management and
monitoring of natural resources and the environment. Using the GIS and RS technology, we can
address both the environmental concerns and sociological impacts caused by hydropower
development in Nepal.

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6. References
1. Mahesh Pathak, 2016 “Application of GIS and Remote Sensing for Hydropower
Development in Nepal”.
2. Agrawal, M.L., B. Maitra and M.K. Ghose, 2005, ‘Ecological impact of highway project
using GIS’, GIS Development online at
www.gisdevelopment.net/magazine/years/2005/ mar/ecological.htm
3. Dudhani, Surekha, A.K. Sinha and S.S. Inamdar, 2006, ‘Small hydropower and GIS for
sustainable growth in power sector’, GIS Development online at
www.gisdevelopment.net/proceedings/mapindia/ 2006/energy/mi06ene_166.htm.
4. Maidment, David R. and Scott Moorhouse, 2002, Arc Hydro: GIS for Water Resources,
Redlands, CA (USA): ESRI Press.
5. Reddy, M. Anji, 2006, Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System, India: BS
Publications.
6. Younis A. Gismalla, Michael Bruen. 2010 “Use of a GIS in reconnaissance studies for
small-scale hydropower development in a developing country”.
7. Ian Haywood, Sarah Cornelius, and Steve Carver ‘An Introduction to Geographical
Information Systems’, published by Pearson Education Asia.
8. Hydro Electric and pumped Storage Plants, Book by M.C. Jog.
9. Wilson, E.M. 2000, “Assessment Methods for Small-Hydro Projects”; Technical Report;
The International Energy Agency: Paris, France.
10. Yi, C.-S.; Lee, J.-H.; Shim, M.-P. Renew. Energy 2010, 35, 852–861 “Site location analysis
for small hydropower using geo-spatial information system”.
11. Kerr Wood Leidal Associates Limited. Rapid Hydro Assessment Model (RHAM).
Available online: http://www.rapidhydro.ca/ (accessed on 13 June 2011)
12. Power on demand by 2012 “The role of GIS, GPS and Remote sensing in power sector”,
Published by, CSDMS, IT for geography.

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