Selection appropriate automation could improve the performance of irrigation networks. One ofthe most important automation in irrigation networks is in automatic discharge measurement.In this paper, TOPSIS method is used for selection of automatic discharge measurementsystems for irrigation networks. The alternatives for automatic discharge measurement andimportant attributes for selection of these systems are identifi ed, introduced and categorized.There were general attributes (accuracy, cost, maintenance needs); and region attributes(hydraulic feasibility, energy availability, etc.). General decision matrix is formed withmeasurement systems alternatives in rows and general attributes in columns. Region decisionmatrix is formed with measurement systems alternatives in rows and regional attributes incolumns. The attributes for all alternatives were scored. The combination of general and regionmatrices forms total decision matrix. The weights of attributes were calculated by Entropyweighting method. Automatic discharge measurement systems are ranked based on generalmatrix, region matrix and total decision making matrix. The model was applied on L1 canal ofQazvin irrigation network and the results were compared. The results show that the generalattributes are more important than region attributes, except for some that have key role inthe selection process like hydraulic feasibility and energy availability. The ranking based ongeneral and total decision making matrices are the same. In terms of technology alternatives,the discharge- depth and velocity-area automatic systems have higher ranking. For sensors,ultrasonic and pressure water level sensors are better than bubbler and fl oating options.
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