Using GIS to Develop 2-D Hydraulic Models

by Craig R. Wilkening, HDR Engineering, Denver, United States,
Lynn E. Johnson, HDR Engineering, Denver, United States,
Joel Herr, HDR Engineering, Denver, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Policy and Management: Solving the Problems

Abstract:

As communities along rivers and streams continue to develop, the demand for more accurate floodplain analysis and flood warning will also increase. Computer systems continue to develop more power, memory, and sophistication. Hydrologic and hydraulic computer models are also advancing as well. As two-dimensional flow models become more commonplace, data input will need to be developed more efficiently. In this study, a Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to generate the input for a two-dimensional Diffusion Hydrodynamic Model (DHM) along a reach of Cherry Creek in Denver, Colorado. Data input into the DHM could be easily generated using the Digital Elevation Modeling (DEM) features of a GIS. Output data from the DHM can be input back into the GIS to develop a graphical representation of the hydrograph at points of interest downstream. The results indicate that data input from a GIS is simple to develop, and the DHM output displayed in a graphic format provides the user with the tools necessary to better analyze the results of the hydraulic model output.

Subject Headings: Computer models | Geographic information systems | Hydraulic models | Two-dimensional models | Information systems | Hydrologic models | Two-dimensional flow | Colorado | United States | Denver

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