Since 1970’s, by urbanization and industrialization, most Korean stream corridor had been vastly changed and degraded on the purpose of water utilization and flood control. In 1990s, there was increased demand for stream restoration and management for healthy stream and ecosystems which enables the coexistence of humankind and nature. But stream projects have been done mostly without a sufficient consideration on the characteristics of stream conditions as well as actual status of stream management. 

This study was carried out to develop a standardized integrated assessment system for stream environment which improve the efficiency and consistency for stream restoration projects.

According to stream environment assessment system, Korean streams are classified with the hierarchy of watershed (large, medium, small), stream segment by bed slope, and stream reach by width and curve ratio.

Assessment indicator is consisting of 4 criteria (geomorphology, biology, water quality, and amenity), 12 sections and 39 indicators and stream environment evaluated into 5 grades. Finally the survey data constructed to quantitative forms to total Web-GIS Systems.

To testify and confirm the assessment system, desk analysis (based on airborne digital image with high resolution) and field survey is processing on 3 experiment streams.

The benefits of this system for stream management are expected as follows: 1) Priority setting for stream project, 2) Aim and program set up for integrated stream management, 3) Establishment and evaluation assessment for designation of stream zoning, 4) Production of information and assessment map, 5) Estimate of outcome of stream restoration projects