Geographic Information System/Hydrologic Modeling Graphical User Interface forFlood Prediction and Assessment

摘要

Flood emergency decision making may be improved through the development ofcomputer-based systems that integrate such existing capabilities as data processing, precipitation forecasting and monitoring, streamflow forecasting, and hydraulic modeling to allow the simulation and comparative evaluation of various hydrometeorologic and reservoir release scenarios. Incorporating the spatial analysis capabilities of a Geographic Information System (GIS) can further increase system effectiveness by allowing the translation of simulation results into maps of flood inundation. A graphical user interface (GUI) can link the multiple components of a system and provide both procedural and decision support for emergency decision making. This study explored the technical feasibility of creating a prototype GUI for flood prediction and assessment. The developed prototype includes an on-screen operations flow chart that leads the user through the steps of flood simulation and assessment, eliminates the need for the decision maker to construct the simulation process, and allows rapid generation of and access to information useful for emergency decision making. The prototype was evaluated by Omaha District Corps of Engineers personnel. Recommendations for further development include the addition of economic analysis capabilities and additional user prompts and online help.