Abstract
The problem of identifying at which sites to collect future streamflow data is formulated as a mathematical program to optimize regional information subject to a budget constraint. An approximate solution is obtained using a step-backward technique that identifies gauging station sites, either existing or new, and whether to discontinue or not start data collection if the budget is exceeded. The method allows a network manager to design a nearly optimal streamflow data network for collecting regional information. The method is illustrated by a network of stream gauges in illinois. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1319, Bridge and hydrology research 1991.