Abstract

Reservoir Volume Potential—Topographic and 3D Modeling
Track: Modeling
Authors: Christopher Kahn

NJ American Water identified a 300 acre gravel mine as a potential reservoir site and requested I perform a GIS analysis of the property to determine optimal land use, reservoir volume potential, dam placement, and fill requirements. First, an elevation model of the property was created using the Topo-to-Raster tool. This methodology was chosen to incorporate contours, spot heights, and natural drainage features. Input data included 2ft. contours (2003) for wooded areas and all land surrounding the property. The active mine surface, however, was re-surveyed with GPS. The resulting DEM indicated 750 million gallons of fill had indeed been removed from the property since the original contour map had been created. The deliverable included a cartographically finished 2.5D topographic map and 3D scene visualization. A comprehensive multivariate legend was designed to illustrate volume, height, extent of a dam, as well as surface elevation, shoreline, and depth of a reservoir.

Christopher Kahn
New Jersey American Water
122 Pemberton St
Apt 1
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
United States
Phone: 2019210132
E-mail: connolly.kahn@gmail.com