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U.S. Department of Energy
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A combined GIS-HEC procedure for floodplain analyses

Conference ·
OSTI ID:10113868
 [1];  [2]
  1. Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
  2. Autometric, Inc., Lakewood, CO (United States)
The Hydrologic Engineering Center`s Flood-Hydrograph (HEC-1) and Water Surface Profile (HEC-2) models are routinely used to define floodplain elevations. Detailed topographic data are commonly available from graphic information systems (GIS). These disjointed technologies can be combined if the GIS system has a drainage recognition capability. A conceptual procedure is suggested for incorporating this feature into the GIS framework so that cross- sectional information can be extracted and exported to HEC-2. A combined GIS-HEC application in ungaged watersheds at Los Alamos National Laboratory is described. This floodplain mapping procedure uses topographic data from the Laboratory`s MOSS graphic information system. About 65% of the Laboratory has two foot topographic contour interval coverage, while 35% has ten foot coverage. Targeted stream channel segments are initially specified in the MOSS system, and topographic profiles along stream-channel cross-sections are extracted automatically. Each 2-D profile is stored as a 3-D MOSS line feature using New Mexico State Plane coordinates. This procedure is initiated at a convenient downstream location within each watershed, and proceeds upstream to a selected termination point. These 3-D line features are then exported in a format satisfying HEC-2 input data requirements.
Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
10113868
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--91-3948; CONF-911279--1; ON: DE92005069
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English