Numerical models for the simulation of soil water processes can be used to evaluate the spatial and temporal variations of crop water requirements; this information can support the irrigation management in a rationale usage of water resources. This latter objective requires the knowledge of spatially distributed input parameters concerning vegetation status, soil hydraulic behaviour and groundwater interaction. This task can be achieved by a conjunctive use of remote sensing techniques, geographical information systems and hydrological simulation models. The present work focuses on the criteria applied for the implementation of a one-dimensional model for water flow in each parcel of an irrigation district in southern Italy having extension of 3000ha.