Introduction to Hydrologic Modeling Using Geospatial Information: On-Demand

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Speakers: Arthur C. Miller, Ph.D., DWRE, Distinguished Professor Emeritus; Amanda J. Hess, P.E., CFM, H&H Group Manager; and Chris D. Krebs, P.E., CFM, GISP, Vice President, Gannett Fleming, Inc.

PDHs: This webinar is eligible for 2 PDH credits.

This webinar will provide an introduction to the application of geospatial information to hydrologic analysis. The field of hydrology experienced its most dramatic period of development from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. While the theory and equations used to estimate watershed runoff have remained relatively unchanged since that time, the availability of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and geospatial data has modernized the methods used to evaluate watershed characteristics and develop input parameters. Today’s hydrologic engineer should understand the advantages and disadvantages of using geospatial data to support hydrologic analysis, recognize the type of spatial data that is available and needed for such analysis, and be aware of the steps required for building a hydrologic model based on geospatial data.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding of Geographic Information Systems.
• Advantages and disadvantages of GIS.
• Understanding of the importance of datums, coordinate systems, and projections.
• Knowledge of how GIS can be used to support watershed modeling.
• Understanding of how HEC-GeoHMS can be used to develop a watershed model.

Arthur C. Miller, Ph.D., DWRE

Dr. Miller is a nationally recognized expert in hydrology, hydraulic engineering, dam safety, and water resource management. His over 40 years of experience includes research, consulting, and publishing in hydrology, hydraulics, floodplain delineation, dam safety, bridge scour, river mechanics, sediment transport, and impacts of climate change. He is renowned for his expertise in numerical modeling of open channel flow, unsteady flow, hydraulic design techniques for dams, bridges and culverts; river mechanics; and sediment transport. Dr. Miller teaches courses throughout the country on topics ranging from fundamental hydraulics to open channel flow to hydrologic processes.

Amanda J. Hess, P.E., CFM

H&H Group Manager

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Mrs. Amanda J. Hess is a vice president of Gannett Fleming and the manager of the Hydrology and Hydraulics Group in their Dams and Hydraulics Section in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. Amanda received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. She is responsible for leading analyses for water resources projects and designing hydraulic structures. Amanda regularly conducts seminars on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling including instruction on HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HEC-RAS 2D, and SITES. She serves on Value Engineering, Independent Peer Review, and Potential Failure Modes Analysis Teams, and is an independent consultant. Amanda provides litigation support in the areas of flooding and water supply system operation and was a co-author of the FEMA’s updated Guidelines for Selecting and Accommodating Inflow Design Floods for Dams.

Chris D. Krebs, P.E., CFM, GISP.

Vice President, Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Mr. Krebs is Vice President and the Manager of GIS Services for Gannett Fleming, Inc. where he is responsible for leading the integration of spatial technologies with the everyday engineering and planning practices of the firm's Environmental Resources Division. Chris has over 20 years of experience in utilizing geographic information system software to support engineering projects some of which include FEMA flood studies, storm water master plans, water supply modeling, and dam failure studies. He is a certified ArcGIS Desktop Professional that has been developed numerous custom GIS applications related to digital terrain modeling, and flood and dam break modeling with HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS.