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Visual Floodplain Modeling with Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

By Peter B. Andrysiak Jr., and David R. Maidment

ABSTRACT

This research involves the integration of the HEC Hydrologic Modeling System (HEC-HMS) and HEC River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to develop a regional model for floodplain determination and representation.

The Corps of Engineers who have traditionally been the leaders in flood studies and research, using the HEC-HMS hydrologic model and the HEC-RAS hydraulic model developed at their Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC). These models perform relatively well but lack the necessary visual representation aspect and still force many to plot computed elevations on paper maps- a tedious and time consuming task that has the potential for error. In addition, the data for these models requires a great deal of field gathering of detailed terrain information. These shortcomings have ramifications that affect the timing and costs of studies.

Recent developments in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)ábased tools can alleviate some of these shortcomings. Developments in GIS applications allow it to work in conjunction with hydrologic and hydraulic models thus reducing the need for field survey data and making the floodplain mapping process more automated and visual.

The Center for Research in Water Resources at the University of Texas at Austin is a leader in this area of floodplain modeling and mapping research. This ongoing research is applied to Mill Creek, a study currently being conducted by the Louisville Corps of Engineer District in Hamilton County in southwestern Ohio

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