A Guide for Incorporating AdH Modeling Data into ArcGIS (registered trademark) Using a netCDF: A Case Study for the Sacramento River
Abstract
Expanding technology and the growing number of modeling applications has increased the need for modeling output to be easily accessible and transferable to multiple applications in a common data format. It is beneficial, therefore, for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) research scientists to leverage application tools and information available in various software packages to improve data analysis and expand research options. The primary objective of this technical note is to provide a tutorial for the conversion, visualization, and application of Adaptive Hydraulics (AdH) modeling data in the network Common Data Format (netCDF) for use in ArcGIS . This guide will demonstrate the suitability and use of netCDF as a standard for packaging modeling data for distribution to USACE districts and project stakeholders. The ability to understand, interpret, and assess hydrodynamic data is essential for USACE districts and project stakeholders as they collaborate to provide innovative solutions to USACE problems. Consequently, the integration of AdH and ArcGIS application tools was proposed as a possible key to enhancing research capabilities. AdH is a numerical model used by the USACE to predict hydrodynamics of shallow two-dimensional channel flow environments (Winter 2013; Brown et al. 2009; and McAlpin et al. 2009). ArcGIS is a geospatial analysis and decision support application that is widely used throughout the USACE to examine spatial relationships among various spatial datasets (Lin and Kleiss 2007; Podoski 2013; Follum 2013). Since AdH modeling data cannot be directly imported into ArcGIS , an intermediate file format is required for compatibility with ArcGIS , as well as with other modeling and geospatial software applications. As a result, the netCDF format was chosen for evaluation as the standard file format for packaging model data for transfer to USACE districts and project stakeholders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA606026
Entities
People
- Allen Hammack
- Austin V. Davis
- Christina L. Saltus
- David L. Smith
- Tammy L. Threadgill
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center