Advances in the understanding of physical, chemical, and biological processes influencing water quality, coupled with improvements in the collection and analysis of hydrologic data, provide opportunities for significant innovations in the manner and level with which watershed-scale processes may be explored and modeled. This paper provides a review of current trends in watershed modeling, including use of stochastic-based methods, distributed versus lumped parameter techniques, influence of data resolution and scalar issues, and the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) as part of a data-driven approach to assist in watershed modeling efforts. Important findings and observed trends from this work include (i) use of AI techniques artificial neural networks (ANN), fuzzy logic (FL), and genetic algorithms (GA) to improve upon or replace traditional physically-based techniques which tend to be computationally expensive; (ii) limitations in scale-up of hydrological processes for watershed modeling; and (iii) the impacts of data resolution on watershed modeling capabilities. In addition, detailed discussions of individual watershed models and modeling systems with their features, limitations, and example applications are presented to demonstrate the wide variety of systems currently available for watershed management at multiple scales. A summary of these discussions is presented in tabular format for use by water resource managers and decision makers as a screening tool for selecting a watershed model for a specific purpose.

Two distinctive, independently developed technologies, geographic information systems (GIS) and predictive water resource models, are being interfaced with varying degrees of sophistication in efforts to simultaneously examine spatial and temporal phenomena. Neither technology was initially developed to interact with the other, and as a result, multiple approaches to interface GIS with water resource models exist. Additionally, continued model enhancements and the development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) have encouraged the development of application "suites" for evaluation and visualization of engineering problems. Currently, disparities in spatial scales, data accessibility, modeling software preferences, and computer resources availability prevent application of a universal interfacing approach. This paper provides a state-of-the-art critical review of current trends in interfacing GIS with predictive water resource models. Emphasis is placed on discussing limitations to efficient interfacing and potential future directions, including recommendations for overcoming many current challenges.(KEY TERMS: geographic information systems (GIS); modeling; surface water hydrology; water quality; water resources; simulation.)

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Beach erosion presents a hazard to coastal tourism facilities, which provide the main economic thrust for most Caribbean small islands (CSIs). Ad hoc approaches to addressing this problem have given way to the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) approach, which recommends data collection, analysis of coastal processes, and assessment of impacts. UNESCO's Coast and Beach Stability in the Caribbean (COSALC) project has provided most CSIs with an opportunity to monitor their beaches and collect over 10 years of data. Research has been directed at integrating these data with geographic information systems (GIS) and other information technologies to develop a prototype beach analysis and management system (BAMS) for CSIs. This article presents the results of phase I development of this effort, which includes the development of tools for integrating spatial and non-spatial coastal data, estimating long-term beach erosion/accretion and sand volume change trends at individual beaches, identifying erosionsensitive beaches, and mapping beach erosion hazards. The Southeast Peninsula, St. Kitts, is used as a case study to develop these tools and demonstrate system functionality.

As nations forge strategic trade alliances, international marine trade is expected to increase, and the United States is expected to play a prominent role. This situation will require the private sector to play a critical role in identifying and entering new markets; correspondingly, public authorities must continue to provide adequate port services. Achieving this objective means having access to reliable foreign waterborne cargo data in a timely manner. In an effort to improve data access and use for analysis purposes, a web-based foreign waterborne cargo data system for the United States was developed to query the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' foreign waterborne cargo databases and report on U.S. port cargo movements (exports, imports, and in-transit) to foreign ports, countries, or regions. Query tools have been developed for cargo flows, cargo flow changes, ton-miles, container traffic, and additional reports. Potential system users include government agencies, international organizations, businesses, port authorities, individual shippers or carriers, trade associations, and chambers of commerce. The aim of this paper is to highlight some of the current challenges in U.S. foreign waterborne transportation and present the results of the U.S. data system on foreign waterborne cargo. The main system query and report tools are illustrated through several examples. Also presented is a brief discussion on the benefits of utilizing these flexible tools and future system enhancements, which will focus on integrating foreign and domestic flows into a single system and improving cargo flow mapping by showing port–port routes.