CRWR Online Report 97-4

Using GIS for Hydrologic Data-Processing and Modeling in Texas

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ABSTRACT

This report focuses on the use of grid-based computations to determine design discharge for flow conveyance structures on Texas highways. A 500m grid is laid over the State and the significant streams and rivers are mapped into cells on the grid. Using USGS data relating extreme peak discharge to drainage area, a 500m grid of extreme peak discharge was derived for Texas divided into 11 hydrologic regions. A set of hydrologic parameter estimation equations were developed in ArcView Avenue programs, and combined into a package called the TxDOT Hydrology Extension for application into ArcView. This extension can be used at any stream location on the 500m grid to estimate peak discharges for return periods of 2 to 100 years, and to calculate hydrologic parameters including drainage area, watershed slope, longest flow path and length, watershed shape factor, curve number, flow velocity, and travel time.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CRWR Online Report 97-4

Using GIS for Hydrologic Data-Processing and Modeling in Texas

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Front Pages

• Title Page
• Acknowledgments
• Abstract
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures

1. Introduction

• 1.1 Background and Significance
• 1.2 Hydrologic Data Development System (HDDS)
• 1.3 Work of This Report

2. Potential Extreme Peak Discharge in Texas

• 2.1 Documented Extreme Peak Discharges for Natural basins in Texas
• 2.2 Create Grid of Potential Extreme Peak Discharges
• 2.3 Assessment and Conclusion

3. Hydrologic Modeling and Methods Used in TxDOT Hydrology Extension

• 3.1 Peak Discharge Based on Historical Gauge Records
• 3.2 Fundamental Hydrologic Parameters for Hydrologic Analysis

4. GIS Implementation of the TxDOT Hydrology Extension

• 4.1 GIS Concept and Its Application in Hydrologics
• 4.2 Data Source and Data Processing
• 4.3 Pre - Programs
• 4.4 Major Functions for Hydrologic Analysis

5. TxDOT Hydrology Extension System Operation

• 5.1 System Requirement
• 5.2 Preparation of the Project
• 5.3 Using TxDOT Hydrology Extension

6. Conclusion

Appendix

• Appendix A : How to Create an ArcView Extension
• Appendix B : TxDOT Hydrology Extension Coding
• Appendix C : Runoff Cueve Numbers Lookup Table
• Appendix D : Data Dictionary

Reference

These materials may be used for study, research, and education, but please credit the authors and the Center for Research in Water Resources, The University of Texas at Austin. All commercial rights reserved. Copyright 1997 Center for Research in Water Resources.