Flood Plain Mapping using HEC GeoRAS in ArcGIS

Prepared by:
Guliani, Jewel Submitted To:
Negi, Sanjay Singh Dr. Francisco Olivera
Selani, Lubaina Date: December 6th, 2017

Results:
Introduction: DEM of Clipped Watershed
Floods are a natural disaster which cause
widespread destruction and loss of life. Flood
inundation Mapping is an important tool to
predict flood behaviors and protect
infrastructures. We have coupled ArcGIS with
HEC-RAS using HEC-GeoRAS as the
connecting software. The process begins in
ArcGIS with clipping the DEM to the area of
study. The clipped DEM is then converted to a
TIN file. HEC-GeoRAS is used to obtain the
feature classes: Stream Centerline, Bank Lines,
Flow Paths and XS Cut Lines. All this data is
then exported to HEC-RAS and an unsteady
flow model is synthesized using flood data in
the form of a stage hydrograph. The results
obtained using HEC-RAS are then exported
back to ArcGIS to form a visual display called
Triangular Irregular Network (TIN)
Flood Elevation Maps. Our area of study is the Obtained by using the tool Raster to TIN
Spring Branch-Buffalo Bayou which has an area
of 52.33 square miles. We took the flood data
for the Memorial Day Floods which took place
on May 26th 2015. Elevation Map:
Study Area:
 Harris County: Spring Branch-Buffalo Bayou
 Third most populous county in the US
 Approximately 4.5 million people (Harris
County)
 Area: 52.33 sq miles
 Length of Stream: 16.02 miles

River Centerline, Banks and Cross

Sections:
All the features of the stream were obtained by
using the construction tools in the Editor mode of
ArcGIS.
Floodplain Map:

Methodology Flowchart

Methodology: The figure above represents the stream feature

 Define study area and obtain the respective classes formed by HEC GeoRAS
DEM files.
 Merge DEM files to obtain the required data
set. Unsteady Flow Modeling in HEC-RAS: Conclusions:
 Clip the raster to the extents of the
In this project HEC-RAS unsteady flow  The project integrates ArcGIS with HEC-RAS
watershed.
modeling was used to determine water surface through HEC-GeoRAS.
 Convert the raster to TIN (Triangular
profiles. The unsteady flow uses a numerical  A high-resolution DEM is necessary to prepare
Irregular Networks).
solution of the equations of gradually varied river geometry and topography for accurate
 Create Stream Centerline, Bank Lines, Flow
unsteady flow. We specified the discharge stage estimation of flooded area.
Paths and XS Cut Lines using HEC-  The obtained results by ArcGIS allowed
rating upstream and normal depth as the
GeoRAS.
downstream boundary condition. HEC-RAS then establishing the extension flood maps
 Export all the features classes made using
proceeded to calculate the discharges throughout simulated for each calculated water profile.
HEC-GeoRAS to HEC-RAS.  The results based on hydraulic simulation and
the stream at the cross sections.
 Use HEC-RAS for unsteady flow modeling.
GIS can contribute meaningfully to develop
 Export the results of HEC-RAS back to
strategies to fight against flood hazards
ArcMap to obtain visual maps of the flood
because of extreme climatic conditions.
affected areas.