Two Dams straddle the Nile river: the newer, Aswan High Dam and the older Aswan low Dam. The aim of this water project was to prevent the river's flooding, generate electricity and provide water for agriculture.  

The old Aswan Dam is about 1000 km up-river from Cairo or 686 km as the crow flies heading 166.8 degrees. The new Aswan High Dam is 4km up river from the older dam.