Rapid and Approximate Hydrologic Analysis Using Web-Based Data and Tools
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 17, Issue 10
Abstract
Preliminary site design, emergency response, or engineering operations in remote locations may require a rapid hydrologic analysis to provide decision-support information on a site’s suitability for various improvements. This paper describes a procedure for conducting such analyses using widely available Internet-based data and tools. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to the steps necessary to execute a hydrologic analysis remotely. The analysis presented was conducted using programs typically found on any computer or that can be downloaded on short notice from the Internet. Freely available online geospatial data were used to create a database of hydrologic conditions at remotely identified points of interest. These points of interest were compared to actual hydrologic databases for sections of Interstate 25 in New Mexico and State Route M-131 in Michigan. The results of the remote hydrologic analysis correctly identified and analyzed 78% of actual physical locations of culverts for the New Mexico site. Due to increased difficulty of visual identification caused by the density of land cover in a more humid climate, the remote hydrologic analysis technique correctly identified 55% of actual physical locations of culverts for the Michigan site. Potential methods to improve the accuracy of the technique are discussed.
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Acknowledgments
The authors extend their warmest thanks to the following people for their kind assistance with this project: Clay LaHatte, Darla McVan, Woodman Berry of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Dr. Paul Mlakar of the Engineer Research and Development Center and the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York; Colonel Michael Hendricks of the Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, United States Military Academy; Mr. Thiet Nguyen of the Federal Highway Administration, New Mexico Division; Mr. Matthew Block of the Michigan Department of Transportation; and Mr. Ron deBruin, a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional.
Sincerest thanks go to the three anonymous reviewers whose suggestions and commentary greatly strengthened this paper.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 17 • Issue 10 • October 2012
Pages: 1153 - 1156
Copyright
© 2012 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 7, 2011
Accepted: Dec 12, 2011
Published online: Feb 18, 2012
Published in print: Oct 1, 2012
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