Revisiting Kazakhstan’s Hydraulic Structures: A GIS-Based Approach to Dam Design and Allocation Considering Climate Change and Land Use Scenarios

This article discusses the importance of hydraulic structures, particularly dams, in Kazakhstan’s economy due to water scarcity in many regions. The article highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to the location and design of dams considering climate change and land use scenarios. The article also emphasizes the need to update the design parameters and characteristics of dams to consider changes in land use and climate. The Samarkand reservoir hydrosystem is used as an example to discuss the potential hazards of the new spillway and the need for technical upgrading. The article suggests that the development of an integrated GIS-based approach to survey works, location, and design of dams could improve the quality of design and survey works and lead to the modernization of design and operation of reservoirs. The study proposes the use of modern research methods, including space methods, to provide more flexible and safe management of river flow with consideration of environmental and economic interests. The article concludes that the comprehensive GIS-based methodology for the location and design of dams, considering potential changes in river flow characteristics and the impact of changes in land use and climatic scenarios, can improve efficiency and optimize the work of hydraulic engineers.