Mapping and Visualizing Socio-Economic and Environmental Data for the Rio Grande Basin

The Rio Grande Basin extends from Colorado through New Mexico and splits the border between Texas and Mexico. Most of the region is classified as semiarid with frequent long-term drought periods. Surrounding counties are dependent on the river water for agriculture and to sustain growing populations along the river. Even small changes in environmental factors relating to the river ecosystems, can lead to increased volatility for the populations relying on the Rio Grande water resources. The goal of this research was to investigate and analyze geospatial variability and impacts of environmental factors on socio-economic variables in the counties surrounding the river in the three U.S. states. ArcGIS was used to analyze trends and correlations between socio-economic and environmental factors affecting water resources in each county adjacent to the Grande Basin from 2000 to 2014. The analysis provided a first look at the geospatial variability of socio-economic and environmental impacts on the Rio Grande Basin. Past trends can also be used for making predictions of future changes in the basin, thus supporting local decision-makers with designing sustainable water management schemes and policies.