Abstract

Approaching Sustainable GIS-integrated Hydraulic Modeling: Pilot Study to Full-scale Implementation
Track: Water, Wastewater, and Storm Water
Authors: Mark Khodash, Jerry Edwards, Rajan Ray

GIS platforms, hydraulic modeling software, and related enterprise applications have made major advances in easing the maintenance of hydraulic models. Nevertheless, many utilities still struggle with planning and implementing sustainable, GIS-integrated hydraulic models. One significant barrier is the perceived level of effort associated with starting a sustainable hydraulic modeling initiative. This level of effort may appear unachievable or unsustainable over the long-term when the hydraulic modeler considers the business process and data issues that may need to be addressed (i.e., the differing requirements of the GIS and hydraulic model, data quality issues, additional data that needs to be created and tracked in both the GIS and the model, and so on).

However, with a well-crafted plan in hand, creating and updating a hydraulic model from GIS data can be a straightforward, efficient, and sustainable process. This presentation discusses real case studies featuring American Water's pioneering implementation that explore different strategies and includes specific sustainable modeling best practices, tips and recommendations to help the utility leverage its long-term hydraulic modeling investment.


Mark Khodash
American Water Service Company
3906 Church Road
Mount Laurel, New Jersey 08043
United States
Phone: 856-727-6117
E-mail: mark.khodash@amwater.com

Jerry Edwards
IDModeling
7201 Sycamore Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri 64133
United States
Phone: (816) 356-3072
E-mail: jerryedwards@idmodeling.com

Rajan Ray
IDModeling
27 Eldred Ct
Wakefield, Rhode Island 02879
United States
Phone: 4017872040
E-mail: rajan_ray@hotmail.com