Mark Heggli Innovative Hydrology, Inc. Consultant to the World Bank Expert 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 Network Design Technology Quality Management System Data Management Training

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 hydrological observations need to be observed? What is the duration of the observation program? How accurate should the observations be?

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

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 Network Design Continued

Sample Design Analysis

Data Center Telecommunications Data 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 Continued

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 Continued

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 Technology Continued

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

Key Principles of sound Data Management System Automatic Data Collection Automatic Data Dissemination Redundancy of both hardware and software systems Data Management Continued

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 Continued 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 Continued 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.)

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 Quality Management System Continued

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 method 2. Tracer/Dye-dilution method 3. Stage-discharge relations 4. Stage-velocity relations 5. Slope-area 6. Slope-conveyance 7. Indirect Methods using energy equation (culvert, bridge, etc.) 8. Critical Depth 9. Hydraulic structures 10. Rainfall/runoff with rain gauges 11. Rainfall/runoff with weather radar 12. Rainfall/runoff coupled with weather model 13. Satellite/aerial based lidar system 14. Other methods 15. General standards 1. Velocity-area method 2. Tracer/Dye-dilution method 3. Stage-discharge relations 4. Stage-velocity relations 5. Slope-area 6. Slope-conveyance 7. Indirect Methods using energy equation (culvert, bridge, etc.) 8. Critical Depth 9. Hydraulic structures 10. Rainfall/runoff with rain gauges 11. Rainfall/runoff with weather radar 12. Rainfall/runoff coupled with weather model 13. Satellite/aerial based lidar system 14. 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