Use of Arc Hydro for Integration of Hydrologic Applications

In this paper, the use of the Arc Hydro data model for integrating hydrologic computer applications is presented. Arc Hydro is a template for the storage of spatial and temporal hydrologic information, in which the different objects of the system are assembled together by virtue of their connection to the river network or to each other. Additionally, its use helps expedite multi-user/agency/company collaboration on a project. Customarily, simulation of the behavior of the surface waters of a hydrologic system is conducted with the aid of mathematical models and/or computer applications, each of which addresses a different natural or man-driven process (i.e., soil water balance, flow routing, non-point source pollution, reservoir operation, etc.). Whenever these processes take place — whether in sequence or simultaneously — interchange of data among applications is required. This data interchange has been called here integration of hydrologic application.