Workshop

Mark Heggli, MeteorologistInnovative Hydrology, Inc.

Consultant to the World BankExpert Real-time Hydrological Technology

Module 1: Essential Elements of a Hydrological Information System

Examples that refer to products are intended for illustrative

purposes only, and do not imply an endorsement or

recommendation of any particular product

Five Essential Elements of a Hydrological Information System

HIS

Network Design

TechnologyQuality ManagementSystem

Data ManagementTraining

Network Design

• A complete network design addresses the following questions that pertain to the collection of hydrological data– What hydrological variables need to be observed?– Where or hydrological observations need to be

observed?– What is the duration of the observation program?– How accurate should the observations be?

Network Design

• Benefits of a well thought out Network Design– Goal is addressed– Ability to scale up– Cost effective in out years– Long lifespan

Network Design

• Key Principles of a well thought out Network Design– Solutions are matched to site characteristics– Sustainability

• Technology• Economy

– Account for physiographic characteristics– Account for hydrometeorological factors that drive

hydrology– Consider and include wide range of measurements used for

decision making– Cooperation and collaboration building blocks

Sample Design Analysis

Technology

Data CenterTelecommunicationsData Logger /Sensor

Technology

• Factors when considering Technology (Data Loggers/Sensors & Telecommunications)– Reliability– Accuracy considering the deployed setting– Cost of site access– Sensitivity & Precision– Product Support (technical inquiries, repairs)– Familiarity (using like technology as much as possible)– Training

Technology

• Factors when considering Technology (Data Center)– System Reliability– Operational costs (software licenses)– Well recognized solutions– Distributive Computing Approach

• Avoid all or nothing solutions• Isolate Data Collection/Archiving• Be prepared to control access and use

– Redundant Systems (RAID, Dual Power Supplies, Replication)– Product Support (technical inquiries, user groups)– Training

Technology

• Benefits from careful selection of technology– Reliability Reduces maintenance– Long life expectancy (15 years for data loggers)– Stability (accuracy and precision) Reduces

need for calibration– Product Support (technical inquiries, repairs)– Familiarity (using like technology as much as

possible)– Training

Data Management

• Benefits from a sound Data Management System– Automated data collection– Data will be secure– Data will be easily accessible– System will be expandable– Easy migration path– Web accessible– Control of resources to assure priority user access

Data Management

• Key Principles of sound Data Management System– Automatic Data Collection– Automatic Data Dissemination– Redundancy of both hardware and software

systems

Training

• Benefits from a Comprehensive Training Program– New employees can be immediately trained– Existing employees can have review– Training can be taken at any time and without incurring

high recurring costs– Improves confidence– Improves controls over operation– Allows for continual professional development– Increases productivity and efficiency– Ensures prompt and effective action on faults

Training

• Key Principles of a Comprehensive Training Program– Multi-media training so that training can occur at

the choosing of the trainee/manager– No travel required– No expensive consultancy or factory training– Regular updates to training material to be

provided by local experts

Quality Management System

• Benefits from a Quality Management System– Optimizes techniques– Improves confidence– Improves controls over operation– Allows for continual process improvement– Increases productivity and efficiency– Ensures prompt and effective action on faults– Clarifies working structure

Quality Management System

• Benefits from a Quality Management System– Improves teamwork and communication– Enhances image and quality awareness within agency– Ensures availability of proper documentation– Enables quick start-up time– Provides systematic training to staff– Helps in justifying system– Provides assurance of effective management

(Directors, Members, Secretary, etc.)

Quality Management System

• Key Principles of a Quality Management System– Quality is built into the data/observation and information

production process rather than relying on post-production checks

– Responsibilities for each player in the process are clearly defined and properly communicated

– Existence of an efficient results-focused control process (too many controls results in no control)

– Stakeholder involvement in performance assessment– Continuous evolution of the Quality Management System

Design Specifics

• Number of stations• Type of instrumentation• Type of telemetry• Data collection, alarms, warning• Decision support

• Discharge determination techniques• Techniques used for calculating discharge based on the measurements of one or more ancillary variables.

Please select a method

1. Velocity-area method2. Tracer/Dye-dilution method3. Stage-discharge relations4. Stage-velocity relations5. Slope-area6. Slope-conveyance7. Indirect Methods using energy equation (culvert, bridge, etc.)8. Critical Depth9. Hydraulic structures10. Rainfall/runoff with rain gauges11. Rainfall/runoff with weather radar12. Rainfall/runoff coupled with weather model13. Satellite/aerial based lidar system14. Other methods 15. General standards

Which Software Components are Normally Part of a HIS?

a. Data Collection

b. Quality Control

c. Microsoft Office

d. Data Visualization

e. Web Server

Which Software Components are Normally Part of a HIS?

a. Data Collection

b. Quality Control

c. Microsoft Office

d. Data Visualization

e. Web Server

Which Software Components are Normally Part of a HIS?

a. Data Collection

b. Quality Control

c. Microsoft Office

d. Data Visualization

e. Web Server

Which Software Components are Normally Part of a HIS?

a. Data Collection

b. Quality Control

c. Microsoft Office

d. Data Visualization

e. Web Server

Which Software Components are Normally Part of a HIS?

a. Data Collection

b. Quality Control

c. Microsoft Office

d. Data Visualization

e. Web Server

References

• WMO• WMO• WMO