Research Interests 
Overview
In a relatively short time, GIS have gained fairly widespread use in a variety of
engineering applications. Originally envisioned (and used) as a geographic mapper
with an integrated spatial database, GIS are increasingly being used in modeling
applications, where geographic data can be readily accessed, processed and displayed.
Historically, GIS have been implemented primarily by large entities such as Federal,
State, and local government agencies, predominantly for mapping and management of
spatial data. However, there has been increasing interest in the potential application of
GIS in engineering design and analysis, especially in hydrology and hydraulics.
My research project is centered on linking hydraulic modeling of river channels and GIS.
The work has two primary goals:
- Develop a procedure to take computed water surface profiles generated from hydraulic
modeling using
HEC-RAS and draw a map of the resulting floodplain in
ArcView GIS. Using
a basemap of orthophotography, the floodplain extent and depth can then be compared to the
locations of structures of interest, such as roads and buildings.
- Synthesize a TIN terrain model from HEC-RAS cross-sectional data and a digital elevation
model (DEM). The resulting terrain model provides a good representation of the general landscape,
and contains additional detail within the stream channel. Thus, a single terrain model is created
that is adequate for both hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
The work is part of a larger project focused on improving the spatial data inputs for
determining design discharges and water surface elevations at highway culverts and bridges
in Texas. The research is being conducted under the supervision of
Dr. David Maidment and
Dr. Francisco Olivera, and is funded by the
Texas Department of Transportation.
Resources
Tutorials:
Presentation:
Documentation:
Eric Tate
ABS Consulting
300 Commerce Drive, Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92602
e-mail: etate@absconsulting.com
Phone: (714) 734-2577
Fax: (714) 734-4262
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