Aquaveo & Water Resources Engineering News

Viewing Flood Extents in SMS

By aquaveo on January 22, 2020

For many riverine projects, finding areas of potential flooding is a key component. SMS offers a few ways to see the flood extents in a given project.

When running a riverine numeric model, such as SRH-2D, a dataset of the water surface elevation (WSE) is often part of the resulting solution. Using the contours and time steps of the WSE dataset can help locate the flooded areas and extents within the modeled area.

You can use the “max” function in the data calculator to make a dataset showing the maximum water surface elevation across all timesteps. For example, using a WSE dataset, you would enter "max(WSE:all)" to get the maximum value for the WSE dataset across all time steps. This would then show the maximum extents.

A faster way to view floodplain data for a single time step is to use the Map Flood command. This tool utilizes ground elevations and existing flood hazard maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly visualize the impacts of possible modifications in the flood level. The Map Flood tool works with FEMA flood hazard data allowing you to avoid building and running an entire numeric model in order to obtain a quick estimate of the flood areas for a single time step.

Flood Extents using Map Flood

The Map Flood tool can also be used for a single time step with local data for areas where FEMA data is not available. More information about the Map Flood tool is found in the Fast Floodplain tutorial.

You can share the flood data you’ve generated by exporting a WSE or max WSE dataset in a variety of file formats using either the right-click Export command or the File | Save As command. The feature arcs created using the Map Flood can also be saved as a shapefile or any other available file format.

Try out the tools in SMS for viewing flood extents today.

Blog tags: 
SMS

Sharing Display Themes in GMS

By aquaveo on January 15, 2020

Display themes make showing off your groundwater model easier. A display theme is a set display parameters that can be saved in a project to be used repeatedly. But, after creating a display theme that works well, have you ever wanted to use that same display theme for a different project?

Display Theme Example

In GMS, display themes are saved with the project file. Therefore, importing a display theme into another project isn’t quite as simple as importing a raster file or image. However, the process isn’t all that complicated either.

To import a display theme from an existing project into a new project, do the following:

  1. Open the project with the display theme you want to import to other projects.
  2. Remove everything from the project except for the desired display theme.
  3. Use the Save As command to save the project with a different name. The project should only contain the display theme.
  4. Open the project that is to receive the display theme.
  5. Select the File | Open command.
  6. In the Open dialog, select the project containing the display theme and turn on the Import into current project option before clicking the Open button.

Using these steps will add the display theme to the existing project. The new display theme will appear in the Project Explorer.

Note that this project requires using the File | Open method of importing a file. The Open macro can also be used. Other methods for importing files into GMS, such as drag-and-drop, will not work.

Also, be aware that when importing a display theme into an existing project, the display theme will only work with data like that in the original project. For example, a display theme built for a project using 3D UGrids will not work with a project that uses 2D grids.

Display themes are a great tool for visualizing your data in GMS. Try saving and sharing them in GMS today!

Blog tags: 
GMS

Importing and Exporting Shapefiles

By aquaveo on January 8, 2020

If you have data in GMS, SMS, or WMS that needs to be shared with another application, one of the easiest ways to share this data is through shapefiles. GMS, SMS, and WMS can all import and export shapefiles, though there are some differences between them. This article goes over some of those differences.

Importing Shapefiles

When you import shapefiles into GMS, SMS, or WMS, they will be loaded under the GIS module. Shapefiles can be imported just like any other file using the File | Open command, the Open File macro, or dragging the file icon on the interface. From there, you can use the conversion commands to move the shapefile data into other modules.

Exporting Shapefiles

Though GMS, SMS, and WMS have a lot of similarities they each vary from the other when it comes to saving a shapefile. In general DEMs, TINs, feature objects, and grids can be saved through the right-click menu in GMS; the file menu in SMS; and through both the right-click menu and file menu in WMS.

GMS
Export command

Shapefiles can be exported through the right-click menu.

  1. Right-click on the item in the Project Explorer and select Export to bring up the Export dialog.
  2. In this dialog you can change the "Save as type" to "Shapefile (*.shp)".

The following items can be exported as shapefiles.

  • TINs
  • 3D Grids
  • Feature Objects
  • DEMs
SMS

Shapefiles can be exported through the File menu.

  1. Select the item in the Project Explorer, then File | Save As to bring up the Save As dialog.
  2. In this dialog you can change the "Save as type" to "Shapefile (*.shp)".

The following items can be exported as shapefiles.

  • Scatter Sets
  • 2D Grids
  • Feature Objects
  • Raster Files
WMS

Shapefiles can be exported through the right-click menu and through the File menu.

  1. Select the item in the Project Explorer, then File | Save As to bring up the Save As dialog.
  2. In this dialog you can change the "Save as type" to "Shapefile (*.shp)".
  3. Alternatively, you can right-click and select Save As to bring up the same dialog.
The following items can be exported as shapefiles.
  • TINs
  • 2D Grids
  • Feature Objects
  • DEMs

Now that you know a little more about using shapefiles in XMS, try using them in your GMS, SMS, or WMS projects today!

Blog tags: 
GMS
SMS
WMS

Happy New Year from Aquaveo!

By aquaveo on January 1, 2020
Happy New Year!

We hope you had a great 2019 and will have an even better 2020. At Aquaveo, we are excited for 2020. We have many projects in the works and can’t wait to be able to show them to you.

Here is some of what Aquaveo plans to bring you in the coming year:

  • GMS 10.5 which will include expanded functionality for using MODFLOW 6.
  • SMS 13.1, including improvements for ADCIRC and SRH-2D.
  • New Tethys web-applications including AGWA, a web-based application for GSSHA.

We look forward to seeing you in the coming year. Keep checking our website for news and updates.

Understanding Projections vs. Reproject

By aquaveo on December 18, 2019

Have you ever wondered what the difference between projection and reprojection is? Have you ever needed to convert a projection from one type to another in GMS, SMS, or WMS (collectively known as XMS)? The use of projections in WMS can be confusing, so the following should provide further clarification.

Specifying Projections

Projections can be associated with individual data objects, either in the object data file itself or in an associated *.prj file. If XMS cannot find a projection, the object will be left as "no projection," or, when new objects are created, XMS will assign the display projection to it. You can specify an object's projection by right-clicking on it and selecting Projection. Note that this projection must be the same as the original projection of the data; specifying an incorrect projection will result in data issues.

Reprojecting on the Fly

"Reprojecting on the Fly" occurs when datasets or objects from multiple projections are loaded into a project, where the x and y values would not otherwise overlap (i.e., the data would be displayed in two or more distinct locations). The different projections for these data will be "reprojected on the fly" to match the display projection such that the data objects will line up. Note that this does not change any *.prj files or the projections that are set for each object; it is an automatic function internal to XMS used for display purposes.

Converting a Projection

If you need to convert from one projection to another, this can be done by right-clicking on it and choosing Reproject. To use this command, the data must first have the correct projection specified. After choosing Reproject, the command will prompt the user to select a new projection, the data will be converted to the selected projection. If a *.prj file is associated with the object (such as a TIFF), reprojecting the object will change the *.prj file. Reprojection on the fly is usually sufficient for most applications. Please note that there are some limitations for reprojecting.

Reporject Dialog Example

Once the datasets are referencing their projection correctly, XMS should reproject them on the fly to match your display projection. If you don't have a display projection set, you can do so by selecting the Display menu and choosing Projection. At that point, if you would like to reproject your scatter(s) into the same projection as the display projection, you would be able to do so.

Now that you see the differences between projection vs. reproject try them out in XMS today!

Blog tags: 
GMS
SMS
WMS
XMS

Tips for Feature Stamping

By jcreer on December 11, 2019

Have you ever needed to add an abutment, embankment, or other feature to your mesh and found it a struggle? We have some good news for you: SMS includes a function called Feature Stamping that is useful for this exact situation.

Feature stamping allows you to add man-made structures to an already created mesh by means of a stamping coverage.

Feature Stamping Example

You can find out more about this process in this wiki workflow.

There are, however, a few items to keep in mind when attempting to use the feature stamping tools. In this post, we’ll cover some of the most common, and how to troubleshoot them.

Make a High Quality Mesh

In order for feature stamping to be the most effective, it is necessary to enter them into a mesh that is already stable. Some items to look for include:

  • Making sure the mesh has enough detail.
  • Checking that the spacing between vertices isn’t too extreme in any portion.
  • Making use of the Redistribute Vertices tool.

You can find much more about creating quality meshes on here our blog.

Avoid Disjointed Vertices

Disjointed vertices are points in the scatter that have not been connected to triangles or quadrilaterals in the mesh. Feature stamping will fail if there are any disjointed vertices in the mesh.

There are two options for fixing this:

  • Find and delete all of the unconnected vertices.
  • Re-triangulate the mesh.
Keep the Stamping Features Short, Linear, and Independent

Feature stamping is usually linear, following a centerline.

If the structure is too large, or crosses over with other structures, it often has problems properly integrating with the mesh.

You can find examples here of when features are considered to be overlapping.

As long as your stamping features are reasonable in size and don’t interfere with each other, you should be able to successfully stamp your man-made features into the mesh.

Feature stamping is a very useful, but sometimes under-utilized, tool. Try out the feature stamping function in SMS today!

Blog tags: 
SMS

Viewing an Aquifer's Water Level

By aquaveo on December 4, 2019

After completing a MODFLOW groundwater model in GMS, have you needed to see the aquifer water level? Viewing the water level can aid in visualizing the saturated thickness of an aquifer. The water level can be viewed by doing the following:

  1. Ensure that the Ortho Mode option is toggled on.
  2. Go to Display | Display Options, choose 3D Grid Data, and go to the MODFLOW tab.
  3. Toggle on the Water Table option, and click OK.
  4. Choose either the Front View or the Side View option, or select a cross section to view the water table level.
Water Table shown in GMS

Additional information about the MODFLOW display options, including the Water Table option, can be found on our wiki.

After viewing the water table, it is possible to save the spatial 2D data for the saturated thickness (water table thickness from the aquifer base).

There isn't a shortcut way to save the 2D water table thickness. However, the desired dataset can be created by converting the head and bottom elevation datasets to 2D datasets, and using the dataset calculator to create a dataset of the difference between the two datasets. The workflow is outlined below.

  1. Right-click on your 3D grid and select Convert To | 2D grid.
  2. Select your Head 3D dataset.
  3. Go to the Grid menu, and select 3D data → 2D data.
  4. Choose the desired option in the Create dataset using dialog box selecting the option that best fits your desired dataset.
  5. Repeat steps 2–3 for the Bottom MODFLOW dataset.
  6. Select the 2D grid and go to Edit | Dataset Calculator.
  7. Create the expression: head dataset minus bottom dataset.
  8. Note: If you would like to create a dataset of all time steps, check the box next to Use all time steps before computing.
  9. Give the new dataset a name in the Result option, and click Compute.
  10. Your new dataset will appear under the 2D grid.

Now that you know how to view and save a water table, try it out in GMS today!

Blog tags: 
GMS

Bringing Water Stability to the World

By jcreer on November 27, 2019

A project that Aquaveo is proud to be part of is bringing forecasting data to people around the globe through GEOGLOWS.

Because many countries around the world don’t have the resources to predict droughts and floods, they struggle to keep a steady supply of food and stable economy. Companies such as the World Bank, ESRI, NASA and others have partnered together to create a warehouse of apps to predict a 15-day forecast of more than 200,000 streams across four continents to help anyone from farmers to politicians be better prepared for any changes.

GEOGLOWS workflow

Though Aquaveo only came onto this project recently, designing an API for these apps, we are very excited to be helping countries around the world such as Somalia and Ethiopia overcome their struggles to stabilize their economies, and be better prepared for disasters.

Two of Somalia’s main rivers, the Juba and Shebelle rivers, originate outside of their boundaries in Ethiopia and Kenya, which is a major obstacle for Somalia. A streamflow forecasting system helps improve water management in the country by providing much needed transboundary water information--helping them foresee flooding within days allowing them to take action.

Ethiopia gets between 40–87 inches of rain a year, both because of this much rainfall and in spite of this much rain, Ethiopia is vulnerable to floods, droughts, and chronic scarcity in several parts of the country. A streamflow forecasting system helps improve water management in the country by providing the necessary data to make decisions and develop action plans.

Since the formal creation of the initiative in 2017, the most significant element of GEOGLOWS has been the application of Earth Observations (EO) to create a system that forecasts flow on every river of the world while also providing a 35-year simulated historical flow. We can now deliver reliable forecast information as a service, instead of all the underlying data that must be synthesized and computed locally to produce the necessary information.

Aquaveo have been proud to be part of GEOGLOWS and other initiatives. Watch our website to see news about more projects like this in the future.

Blog tags: 
Tethys

Best Practices for 2D Hydraulic Modeling

By aquaveo on November 20, 2019

In SMS, designing a good 2D hydraulic model from the start gives the best results. A poorly designed model can give bad results, cause model errors, or even keep the model from converging. And while it may seem easy at first to design a good model, there are plenty of potential pitfalls that can come up if you are not careful.

The following tips, broken down into five areas, can help improve any model.

Terrain Data

Pay attention to your terrain data. You can't set up a good model without a good foundation, and terrain data is your foundation. There are four things you will need to spend time getting right:

  • Represent hydraulic controls accurately
  • Make sure you include channel bathymetry
  • Add breaklines where needed
  • Finally review the terrain surface for missing features
Terrain review
Mesh Development

Use an appropriate number of elements: size does matter, more is not always better. This is mainly because the time your model takes to render is a significant factor for any project. Element length should generally be equal to or greater than the flow depth, except for limited areas such as piers. When elements are too small, waves can form skewing the model results.

Quadrilatereal elements in meshes are often more stable than when using triangular elements. Once you have set your number of elements and length, confirm that hydraulic controls are represented in the mesh.

Lastly, review your mesh for quality.

Mesh quality review
Boundary Conditions

When determining the boundaries of your model, you will need to find two things. First look for the most constricted area when determining model limits. Second, find the furthest usable boundary location from the area of interest. A good rule of thumb for rivers: two floodplain widths up and downstream. Note that the width of the mesh should be greater than the maximum flood width.

Lastly, perform sensitivity analysis on boundary conditions.

Material Roughness

Be aware that Manning's n values for 2D model can be lower than 1D models. Be sure to calibrate your model. Essentially check your results to see if they are reasonable.

Model Execution and Review
  • Use the largest time step possible that gives you continuity and stability ( i.e. while still achieving a good solution).
  • Use monitoring points to verify steady simulation.
  • Use monitoring lines to verify continuity.
  • Review convergence parameters to confirm conservation of mass.

Following these tips can improve any model that uses a 2D mesh. Try them out in SMS today!

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SMS

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