Computational Watershed Hydrology

Students in this class will learn how to access and process commonly used geospatial and temporal data such as the digital elevation model (DEM), land use, soil, streamflow and precipitation using geographic information systems (GIS). After processing, students will learn how to use these data to create hydrologic and hydraulic models such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS and SWAT. Students will learn how to interpret model results and present information to convey the role of climate and human factors on watershed hydrology. After completing this course, students should be able to perform hydrologic and hydraulic analysis or modeling in research and professional practice to address issues related to water movement and availability in natural settings.

CE54900

Credit Hours:

3

Learning Objective:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

  • Obtain, process and analyze hydrologic data
  • Develop commonly used hydrologic and hydraulic models (HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SWAT [optional]) for simulating hydrologic processes for flood modeling and inundation mapping
  • Use geospatial tools for hydrologic applications
  • Present and communicate results effectively using ArcGIS mapping tools

 

Description:

This course is designed to train students in performing watershed scale hydrologic analysis and simulations using real observations, geospatial data and computational tools. This course is intended for senior level undergraduate students and graduate students who already have some knowledge of basic hydraulics or fluid mechanics and hydrologic processes. Most classes are designed in the form of self-learning exercises using ArcGIS, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, and SWAT. Some Python programming may also me covered towards the end of the course. Students are expected to have some computer proficiency in using computers and software applications.

Fall 2024 Syllabus

 

Topics Covered:

Week Lab
1 Module 1 - Handling of point observations and time series data in hydrology
2 Module 2 - Handling of raster Data (topography and land use) in Hydrology
3 Module 3 - Using Spatial Interpolation Tools in ArcGIS
4 Module 4 - Terrain analysis using Digital Elevation Model
5 Module 5 - Terrain Analysis using ArcHydro Tools
6 Module 6 - Development of CN grid using land use and topography
7 Exam 1
8 Module 7 - Development of HEC-HMS model
9 Module 8 - SWAT Modeling or Machine Learning
10 Module 9 - HEC RAS Modeling
11 Exam 2
12 Project Work
13 Project Work
14 Thanksgiving Break
15 Project work
16 Exam 3/Project Work

 

Web Address:

https://purdue.brightspace.com

 

Projects:

There will be one major class project which will involve the use of HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS and one minor project of your choice that show the use of skills you learned in class to address a practical water related issue.

 

Exams:

Three exams

 

Textbooks:

No text is required for this course. All reading material will be provided by the instructor.

 

Computer Requirements:

We will be using the following software/applications in this class: ArcGIS Pro (3.1), HEC-HMS 4.10 or higher, HEC-RAS 6.x or higher, QGIS 3.34.7 (optional), and QSWAT 3 v1.7.2 (optional).

If you are using an older version (2.x) of ArcGIS Pro, tutorials and videos using this version are available on Brightspace.

You will need windows operating system to install all software and complete all exercises without any technical issues. Mac OS may work, but you will have to do extra work to get all the software installed and run smoothly. Instructor does not have expertise in installing software or fixing software issues.