HEC-GeoHMS
Description:
HEC-GeoHMS was developed as a user-friendly GIS program with
an array of hydrological modeling tools that integrate seamlessly
with HEC-HMS. The program allows
the user to visualize spacial information, perform spatial
analysis, document watershed characteristics, identify subbasins
and streams, develop inputs for use with HEC-HMS, and simplify
report preparation.
HEC-GeoHMS is not intended for use as a tool for data assembly. It is best suited for processing watershed data after the initial compilation and preparatoin of terrain data has been completed.
Capabilities:
HEC-GeoHMS allows the user to represent watershed subbasins
in more detail than with HEC-HMS through its ability to accept
radar rainfall and spacial data on a grid level. In this manner
the model can simulate infiltration and excess rainfall on
a cell-by-cell basis. The files created by HEC-GeoHMS are
compatible for use with HEC-HMS for development of a hydrologic
model, and contain information such as subbasin boundaries,
stream locations, and hydrologic elements to track the flow
of water through the drainage system.
HEC-GeoHMS can also generate tables with information on the physical characteristics of water bodies and watersheds. This information is useful when estimating hydrologic parameters.
Additional features include:
• Data Management: This feature aids in managing
the locations of different projects and can also be used for
error checking and detection
• Terrain Preprocessing: This can be done in
two modes: step-by-step or batch. In step-by-step mode, the
user can examine the model outputs and modify the data set
as needed. If the user is confident in their data set, they
can opt to run this feature in batch mode which eliminates
additional steps and runs unattended.
• Basin Processing: The user can divide the
basin into subbasins (or merge subbasins together) with the
results displayed instantaneously. This allows the user to
make modeling decisions on the fly, rather than waiting until
the end to run the model and then make modifications.
Limitations:
• Not designed for data assembly.
Data should be prepared and imported prior to attempting to
use this model.
• Helpful when preparing reports, but better
used in conjunction with other software
Basic Inputs:
• Watershed and subbasin information (boundaries, sizes,
stream locations, etc)
• Pre-preared data to apply over the watershed grid
• Topographical features and drainage information
Basic Output:
• Spreadsheets and datasets describing watershed and
subbasin characteristics
• Spatial analysis result datasets
• 2-D and 3-D images including topography, and stream
and water body locations
• Data that can be imported for simulations run in HEC-HMS
How to Run the Model:
• Import or construct a
watershed with subbasins. You can import a file made with
HEC-HMS, or use HEC-GeoHMS to build a new one.
• Modify the watershed, subbasins, and their characteristics
as needed
• Import pre-assembled data to associate with the site.
Be sure that the data is compatible with GIS data structures.
If you are unfamiliar with GIS data analysis methods and techniques,
you may wish to read over some examples in the HEC-GeoHMS
users manual.
• Run a simulation/ perform you analysis and view the
results. You may also export the data to HEC-HMS to perform
additional hydrologic modeling
Developer: HEC-GeoHMS was developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Hydrologic Engineering Center
Faculty Contact:
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