Geographic Information Systems for Hydrologic Modeling

by Lynn E. Johnson, Univ of Colorado, United States,
John Dallmann, Univ of Colorado, United States,
Ed Toms, Univ of Colorado, United States,
Charles Huffman, Univ of Colorado, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Computerized Decision Support Systems for Water Managers

Abstract:

Geographic information system techniques provide flexible and powerful capabilities for computer processing of spatial data sets integral to flash flood forecasting. Video digitizing or image capture devices are used to obtain regional base maps from existing paper stock. Alternately, central digital data repositories can be accessed to obtain archived digital data on the land (e.g., USGS digital elevation models, EPA River Files). Digital terrain modeling techniques used to process topographic data to provide slope, aspect (i.e., direction), and drainage network definition. The various mapped data sets, including rainfall distribution defined by the radar imagery, can be overlain in various ways and integrated into a comprehensive catalog of data directly accessible by hydrologic analysis routines for infiltration accounting and runoff routing. Interactive computer graphics workstation capabilities permit rapid forecaster review of data and analysis results using color graphics display formats, menu command selection, pop-up windows, and panning and zooming.

Subject Headings: Information systems | Computer models | Hydrologic data | Mapping | Geographic information systems | Data analysis | Hydrologic models

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