Parameterization and calibration of the underlying hydrologic model, incorporation of pre-existing HEC-RAS models, testing of available radar bias correction methods and case studies will be reviewed. Key features of the flood forecasting system to be presented include: real-time radar rainfall acquisition, processing and forecasting, real-time flow and rain gauging, continuous hydrologic modelling, flood vulnerable asset analysis and predictive weather modelling. Using PCSWMM Real-Time, NEXRAD radar data, US EPA SWMM5, HTML5 and Google Maps the system forecasts near-future water surface elevations and relays the information to a single integrated web-based platform for analysis and decision making. To improve the accuracy and lead time of flood forecasting, Computational Hydraulics International and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have developed a high resolution, deterministic, physically-based remote-sensing real-time flood forecasting and web-based decision support system, and applied it to the Don River and Etobicoke Creek watersheds. The model required following input information for simulation, i.e., land-use for calculating impervious and previous area.
#ABOUT PCSWMM SOFTWARE#
Recent extreme precipitation events in the Toronto area have highlighted the need for enhanced warning systems to inform decision making prior to a storm’s arrival. PCSWMM uses the same SWMM engine for the modeling work the only advantage is that it is GIS compatible software which makes this model more efficient. Flooding in urban areas can cause significant property damage and human injury.