Estimation of water volume in La Esperanza dam (Manabí, Ecuador), using bathymetry and geographic information systems

Abstract

This study consisted of determining the operating volume in La Esperanza reservoir through the bathymetric method of 3D positioning, using Garmin echoMAP™ echo sounder in conjunction with the application of geographic information systems (GIS). A digital elevation model “DEM” of resolution 12.5 m x 12.5 m, downloaded from the ALOS PALSAR satellite was coupled to obtain the area and digital topographic relief of the basin. In addition, two polynomial equations as a function of level, volume and area of the reservoir were estimated through a regression analysis by which a maximum operating volume of 428.64 Hm3 was obtained (elevation 66 m.a.s.l.), with a water mirror extension of 2,348.55 ha. In conclusion, the determination of the volume with technological devices and cartographic construction software is a key part of the diagnosis in water management and essential in the analysis for the correct management of reservoir volume in La Esperanza dam.