Workshop

Mark HeggliInnovative 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

Network Design

HISTechnologyQuality Management

System

Data ManagementTraining

Network Design

A complete network design addresses the following questions that pertain to the collection of hydrological dataWhat 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 DesignGoal is addressedAbility to scale upCost effective in out yearsLong lifespan

Network Design Continued

Key Principles of a well thought out Network DesignSolutions are matched to site characteristicsSustainability

Technology Economy

Account for physiographic characteristicsAccount for hydrometeorological factors that drive

hydrologyConsider and include wide range of measurements

used for decision makingCooperation 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)ReliabilityAccuracy considering the deployed settingCost of site accessSensitivity & PrecisionProduct Support (technical inquiries, repairs)Familiarity (using like technology as much as

possible)Training

Technology Continued

Factors when considering Technology (Data Center)System ReliabilityOperational costs (software licenses)Well recognized solutionsDistributive 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 technologyReliability Reduces maintenanceLong life expectancy (15 years for data

loggers)Stability (accuracy and precision)

Reduces need for calibrationProduct Support (technical inquiries, repairs)Familiarity (using like technology as much as

possible)Training

Technology Continued

Data Management

Benefits from a sound Data Management SystemAutomated data collectionData will be secureData will be easily accessibleSystem will be expandableEasy migration pathWeb accessibleControl of resources to assure priority user

access

Key Principles of sound Data Management SystemAutomatic Data CollectionAutomatic Data DisseminationRedundancy of both hardware and software

systems

Data Management Continued

Training

Benefits from a Comprehensive Training ProgramNew employees can be immediately trainedExisting employees can have reviewTraining can be taken at any time and without

incurring high recurring costsImproves confidenceImproves controls over operationAllows for continual professional developmentIncreases productivity and efficiencyEnsures prompt and effective action on faults

Training Continued

Key Principles of a Comprehensive Training ProgramMulti-media training so that training can occur

at the choosing of the trainee/managerNo travel requiredNo expensive consultancy or factory trainingRegular updates to training material to be

provided by local experts

Quality Management System

Benefits from a Quality Management SystemOptimizes techniquesImproves confidenceImproves controls over operationAllows for continual process improvementIncreases productivity and efficiencyEnsures prompt and effective action on faultsClarifies working structure

Quality Management System Continued

Benefits from a Quality Management SystemImproves teamwork and communicationEnhances image and quality awareness within

agencyEnsures availability of proper documentationEnables quick start-up timeProvides systematic training to staffHelps in justifying systemProvides assurance of effective management

(Directors, Members, Secretary, etc.)

Key Principles of a Quality Management SystemQuality 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 stationsType of instrumentationType of telemetryData collection, alarms, warningDecision 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

ReferencesWMOWMOWMO