Utilizing the ARC/INFO data model to build conceptual models for environmental simulations

摘要

Pre-processors for surface and groundwater models have traditionally been designed so that the majority of the model definition and editiong is performed directly on the grid or mesh used in the siumlation. A more effective approach is to define the model at the conceptual level. This high-level definition is constructed using a data model patterned after Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ARC/INFO. The boundary conditions and model parameters can then be assigned directly to the objects in the conceptual model. Once the conceptual model is defined, a numerical model in the form of a finite element mesh or finite difference grid is automatically generated and the boundary conditions and model parameters are assigned to the appropriate cells, modes, or elements. The advantages of a conceptual model approach to environmental/hydrologic/hydraulic modelling includes increased modelling efficiency since time-consuming cell by cell editing is eliminated and increased accuracy since a large number of candidate conceptual models can be evaluatd in the time traditionally required to develop one model. Further, existing ARC/INFO databases which include coverages of model supporting parameters sucb as hydraulic conductivity, land use, soil type, etc. can be used to develop the conceptual model and provide the parameter values necessary to drive the analytical model.