How can we evaluate the heterogeneity of natural watersheds and how can we assess its spatial organization? How can we make use of this information for hydrological models and is it beneficial to our models? We propose a method display and assess the interaction of catchment characteristics with the flow path which we defined as the ordering scheme within a basin. A newly implemented algorithm brings this information to the set-up of a model and our results show an increase in model performance.

We are assessing the spatial organisation of catchments by a flow path orientated analysis of soil and topographical characteristics. These information are used to identify heterogeneous regions within a watershed and, hence, require subdivision. Based on this analysis we developed an algorithm to perform an automated and impartial sub-basin ascertainment. Results can be used for the spatial set up of hydrological models or catchment classification schemes.

To objectively compare possible solutions for drought, they have to be commensurable; a daunting condition if they are implementable on dissimilar spatial scales and/or physical compartments. In a water scarce region in China it is it is shown how a generic meta-model in form of a dynamic water balance simulating the hydrosystem, including anthropogenic factors, allows the appraisal of various measure's effects on one one factor; thus securing commensurability.