Version 2018

Table of Contents
Page
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 GDS Functionality ......................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 New Tools and Enhancements ..................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Data Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 4
Mouse Button Commands................................................................................................................ 1
2.1 Left Button actions (one-click) ...................................................................................................... 1
2.2 Left Button actions (double-click)................................................................................................. 2
2.3 Right Button actions ..................................................................................................................... 3
Toolbar and Menus .......................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Toolbar 5
3.2 File Menu Commands: .................................................................................................................. 7
3.2.1 Define Working Region (File Menu) ................................................................................... 7
3.2.2 New Project/from DTM Elevation Points (File Menu) ....................................................... 8
3.2.3 New Project/from Existing ArcInfo ASCII Grid File... (File Menu) ...................................... 9
3.2.4 New Project/from Existing Shapefile… (File Menu) ......................................................... 10
3.2.5 New Project/from FLO-2D Project … (File Menu) ............................................................ 11
3.2.6 New Project/from Existing CAD File (File Menu) ............................................................. 13
3.2.7 New Project/from Existing HEC-RAS .PRJ File (File Menu) ............................................... 13
3.2.8 New Project/from Existing Levee File (File Menu) ........................................................... 14
3.2.9 Open Existing FLO-2D Project … (File Menu) ................................................................... 15
3.2.10 Save FLO-2D Files (File Menu) .......................................................................................... 16
3.2.11 Run FLO-2D… (File Menu) ................................................................................................ 17
3.2.12 Run Mapper (File Menu) .................................................................................................. 19
3.2.13 Run PROFILES (File Menu) ................................................................................................ 20
3.2.14 Run RAIN (File Menu) ....................................................................................................... 20
3.2.15 Create FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT Files (File Menu) ................................................... 21
3.2.16 Create LEVEECRESTS.DAT (File Menu) ............................................................................. 22
3.2.17 Create Grid Shapefile (File Menu) .................................................................................... 23
3.2.18 Import Image/Individual Image (File Menu) .................................................................... 24
3.2.19 Import Image/Group of Images (File Menu) .................................................................... 26
3.2.20 Import Elevation Points/ DTM Points… (File Menu) ........................................................ 28
3.2.21 Individual ArcInfo ASCII Grid File (File Menu) .................................................................. 29
3.2.22 ArcInfo ASCII Grid File Catalog (File Menu) ...................................................................... 30
3.2.23 Import Shape File (File Menu).......................................................................................... 31
3.2.24 Import Rain ArcInfo ASCII Grid File (File Menu) ............................................................... 31
3.2.25 Import HEC-RAS Channels… (File Menu).......................................................................... 32
3.2.26 Import CAD Graphic … (File Menu) .................................................................................. 32
3.2.27 Import Levees... (File Menu) ............................................................................................ 33
3.2.28 Save Elevation Points (File Menu) .................................................................................... 34
 3.2.29 Export… (File Menu) ......................................................................................................... 35
3.2.30 Open Recent Projects (File Menu) ................................................................................... 36
3.2.31 Exit (File Menu) ................................................................................................................ 37
3.3 View Menu Commands: ............................................................................................................. 39
3.3.1 View All (View Menu)....................................................................................................... 39
3.3.2 Zoom Out Previous View (View Menu) ............................................................................ 39
3.3.3 Zoom Out 10% (View Menu) ............................................................................................ 40
3.3.4 Pan (View Menu) ............................................................................................................. 40
3.3.5 Layers List (View Menu) ................................................................................................... 41
3.3.6 Track Elevation Points (View Menu) ................................................................................ 43
3.3.7 Grid Element #’s, Elevations, and n-values and Curve Numbers (View Menu) ............... 44
3.3.8 Grid... (View Menu) .......................................................................................................... 45
3.3.9 View Components (View Menu) ...................................................................................... 45
3.3.10 View Elevation Points (View Menu) ................................................................................. 47
3.3.11 Non-Interpolated Grid Elements (View Menu) ................................................................ 47
3.3.12 Manning’s n Values Rendering (View Menu) ................................................................... 48
3.3.13 Grid Element Elevation Rendering (View Menu) ............................................................. 48
3.3.14 Highlight Grid Element Number… (View Menu) ............................................................. 49
3.3.15 Find the Lowest Cell in the Grid System (View Menu) .................................................... 49
3.3.16 Cross Section Numbers… (View Menu) ........................................................................... 50
3.3.17 Cells without Cross Section Numbers… (View Menu) ..................................................... 50
3.3.18 Levee Polyline (View Menu)............................................................................................. 51
3.3.19 Redraw (View Menu) ....................................................................................................... 51
3.4 Design Menu Commands: ........................................................................................................... 53
3.4.1 Elevation Points/Insert (Design Menu) ............................................................................ 53
3.4.2 Elevation Points/Create Elevation Points Layer (Design Menu) ...................................... 53
3.4.3 Elevation Points/Delete Elevation Points from Selected Area (Design Menu) ............... 53
3.4.4 Elevation Points/Delete Elevation Points Outside Range (Design Menu) ....................... 54
3.4.5 Grid Element Text Style (Design Menu) ........................................................................... 55
3.4.6 Channel Style (Design Menu) ........................................................................................... 55
3.4.7 Area Reduction Factor Style (Design Menu) .................................................................... 56
3.5 Grid Menu Commands:............................................................................................................... 57
3.5.1 Create Grid (Grid Menu) .................................................................................................. 57
3.5.2 Select/Grid Element (Grid Menu) .................................................................................... 57
3.5.3 Select/Grid Elements Defined by Polygon (Grid Menu)................................................... 58
3.5.4 Select/Grid Elements Intersected by Shapefile (Grid Menu) ........................................... 59
3.5.5 Select/Inner Grid Elements (Grid Menu) ........................................................................ 59
3.5.6 Select/Unselect All (Grid Menu) ..................................................................................... 60
3.5.7 Assign Parameters to Selection/Elevations (Grid Menu) ................................................. 60
3.5.8 Assign Parameters to Selection/Manning’s Coefficient (Grid Menu) .............................. 61
3.5.9 Assign Parameters to Selection/Area and With Reduction Factors (Grid Menu) ........... 61
3.5.10 Assign Parameters to Selection/Levee (Grid Menu) ....................................................... 62

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 3.5.11 Assign Parameters to Selection/Multiple Channels (Grid Menu) ................................... 65
3.5.12 Assign Parameters to Selection/Inflow/Outflow Condition (Grid Menu) ....................... 65
3.5.13 Assign Parameters to Selection/Infiltration (Grid Menu) ............................................... 74
3.5.14 Assign Parameters to Selection/No Discharge Exchange (Grid Menu) ............................ 75
3.5.15 Assign Parameters to Selection/Time-Variant Groundwater Head (Grid Menu) ............ 75
3.5.16 Assign Parameters to Selection/Rigid Bed Element (Grid Menu) ................................... 76
3.5.17 Assign Parameters to Selection/Variable Sediment Size Fraction (Grid Menu) .............. 76
3.5.18 Assign Parameters to Selection/Limiting Froude Number (Grid Menu) ......................... 77
3.5.19 Assign Parameters to Selection/Cell Elevation Adjustment (Grid Menu) ........................ 77
3.5.20 Assign Parameters to Selection/Cell Tolerance (Grid Menu)........................................... 78
3.5.21 Interpolate Elevation Points (Grid Menu) ........................................................................ 79
3.5.22 Interpolate Elevation Points from Multiple Elevation Files... (Grid Menu) ...................... 80
3.5.23 Compute Green-Ampt Parameters (Grid Menu) ............................................................ 86
3.5.24 Compute Manning Coefficients… (Grid Menu) ............................................................... 92
3.5.25 Compute SCS Curve Number … (Grid Menu) .................................................................. 93
3.5.26 Compute Width and Area Reduction Factors … (Grid Menu) ......................................... 99
3.5.27 Compute Limiting Froude Numbers … (Grid Menu) ..................................................... 101
3.5.28 Compute Cell Tolerances… (Grid Menu) ........................................................................ 101
3.5.29 Compute Horton Variables… (Grid Menu) ..................................................................... 102
3.5.30 Define Boundary Grid Elements/Element by Element (Grid Menu) ............................. 102
3.5.31 Define Boundary Grid Elements/ Draw Line (Grid Menu) ............................................. 103
3.5.32 Setup Computational Area/Click Inside Modeling Area (Grid Menu) ............................ 104
3.5.33 Setup Computational Area/ Define Modeling Boundary with Polygon (Grid Menu).... 104
3.5.34 Setup Computational Area/ Define Modeling Boundary from Shapefile…(Grid Menu) 105
3.5.35 Create Grid Layer (Grid Menu)....................................................................................... 105
3.6 Tools Menu Commands: ........................................................................................................... 107
3.6.1 Options…/Interpolation… (Tools Menu) ....................................................................... 107
3.6.2 Options…/Change Refresh Count (Tools Menu) ............................................................ 108
3.6.3 Options…/Directory Paths (Tools Menu) ...................................................................... 109
3.6.4 Measure Distance along Line (Tools Menu) ................................................................... 110
3.6.5 Compute Average Point Rainfall Depth (Tools Menu) .................................................. 111
3.6.6 Interpolate Variable Rainfall (Tools Menu) .................................................................... 113
3.6.7 Levee Express Editor (Tools Menu) ............................................................................... 116
3.6.8 Floating Variables Express Editor (Tools Menu) ............................................................ 118
3.6.9 Create Channel Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu) ................................................ 119
3.6.10 Select Channel Confluences (Tools Menu)..................................................................... 127
3.6.11 Create a Cross Section (Tools Menu) ............................................................................ 129
3.6.12 Assign a HEC-RAS Cross Section to a Channel Element (Tools Menu) .......................... 131
3.6.13 Auto Assign HEC-RAS Cross Section to Channel Elements (Tools Menu)...................... 132
3.6.14 Convert HEC-RAS Xsec to FLO-2D (Tools Menu) ........................................................... 133
3.6.15 Convert HEC-RAS Channels to FLO-2D Channel Segments (Tools Menu) ..................... 134
3.6.16 Delete HEC-RAS Channels (Tools Menu) ....................................................................... 135

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 3.6.17 Delete HEC-RAS Cross Sections (Tools Menu) ............................................................... 136
3.6.18 Create Street Segment (Tools Menu) ............................................................................ 137
3.6.19 Create Street Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu) .................................................... 141
3.6.20 Create Levee Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu) .................................................... 142
3.6.21 Create Detention Basin (Tools Menu) ............................................................................ 143
3.6.22 Mud and Sediment Transport (Tools Menu) ................................................................. 145
3.6.23 Evaporation (Tools Menu) ............................................................................................. 147
3.6.24 MODFLO-2D Simulation (Tools Menu) ........................................................................... 148
3.6.25 Hydraulic Structures (Tools Menu) ................................................................................ 149
3.6.26 Rain (Tools Menu) .......................................................................................................... 150
3.6.27 Breach (Tools Menu) ...................................................................................................... 151
3.6.28 Drainage Basin Tools (Tools Menu) ............................................................................... 155
3.6.29 Create Floodplain Cross Sections (Tools Menu) ............................................................ 159
3.6.30 Surface Elevations Profile (Tools Menu) ........................................................................ 161
3.6.31 Levee Profile (Tools Menu) ............................................................................................ 162
3.6.32 Street Profile (Tools Menu) ............................................................................................ 164
3.6.33 Create Storage Volume Rating Tables (Tools Menu) ..................................................... 165
3.6.34 Storm Drain (Tools Menu) ............................................................................................. 166
4.7 Contents (Help Menu) .............................................................................................................. 173

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Introduction
The FLO-2D Grid Developer System (GDS) is a GIS integrated software tool used to
facilitate the creation of all required data to run the FLO-2D model. GDS simplifies construction
of the finite difference grid system and allows graphical editing of its attributes and
components. The GDS will overlay the grid system on a digital terrain map or a Digital Terrain
Model (DTM) set of points and will interpolate and assign elevations to the grid elements. It will
establish geographical boundaries, import background images and photos, and it will
automatically generate the data files required to run the model.

GDS can also run the FLO-2D model once the data files have been created. One of
primary functions of the GDS is to graphically edit grid elements attributes such as streets, flow
obstructions, levees, rainfall, evaporation, infiltration, channels, hydraulic structures, sediment
transport and mud flow parameters, detention basins, and n-values interactively using mouse
point and click events. The data is validated to minimize common input errors. For GIS
integration GDS makes extensive use of ESRI MapObjects© Version 2.4 GIS software controls.

1.1 GDS Functionality

The GDS system can perform the following functions:

Interactive Data Entry
• Interactive graphical editing of channels, streets, multiple channels, levees and buildings
and other grid element attributes.
• Input detention basins parameters.
• Assign attributes to group of user selected grid elements
• Assign reservoir or pounded water elevation for an initial condition on a portion of the
grid system.
• Select Channel Confluences (channel elements sharing discharge). Including tributary
elements that can be contiguous to either a left or right bank main channel element.
• Assign spatially and temporally variable rainfall data.
• Edit levee attributes using the Levee Express Editor.

Import Data
• Import HEC-1 hydrographs.
• Import DTM points in ASCII format.
• Import Shape files.

Data Processing
• Automatic generation of finite difference grid and selection of computation area from
user defined polygons.
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 • Compute spatially variable Green-Ampt infiltration parameters using soil and land use
shape files.
• Compute spatially variable Manning’s n-values using shape files.
• Convert HEC-RAS cross section data to FLO-2D channel cross section data format.
• Compute lengths for channel segments.
• Create the files to run a FLO-2D simulation

CONT.DAT HYSTRUC.DAT
TOLER.DAT STREET.DAT
INFLOW.DAT ARF.DAT
OUTFLOW.DAT MULT.DAT
RAIN.DAT SED.DAT
INFIL.DAT LEVEE.DAT
EVAPOR.DAT FPXSEC.DAT
CHAN.DAT BREACH.DAT
CHANBANK.DAT FPLAIN.DAT
XSEC.DAT CADPTS.DAT.
TOPO.DAT M.DAT
SWMMFLO.DAT SUPPLEMENT.DAT

Data Display and Visualization

• Display components.
• Show channel extension directions.
• Display interpolated elevation map.
• Display n-Manning’s map.
• Display street and levee profiles.
• Display grid element numbers, elevations and Manning’s n coefficients on the grid
system.
• Zoom and pan.

GIS integration
• Import ESRI shape file format data such as land use, soil types, Manning roughness
coefficients and FP Limiting Froude numbers.
• Import ESRI ArcInfo ASCII grid files containing terrain elevations and NOAA rainfall data.
• Import multiple geo-referenced aerial photos in various graphic formats such as TIFF,
BMP, JPG, MrSID and others as background the grid system.
• Customize multiple layer display and layer properties.

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1.2 New Tools and Enhancements
Watershed Delineation
• Calculate watershed courses.
• Find the watershed for a given cell.
• Drainage basin smoothing.
• Find lowest cell.
Culvert Equations
• Define culvert equations.
Channels
• Define channel confluences,
Storm Drain Interface
• Interface FLO-2D with Storm Drain at runtime.
• Define catch basins in GDS.
Interpolation
• Interpolate spatially variable limiting Froude numbers from shape files.
Visualization
• Polyline data drawn and recorded when channels, streets or levees are created.
• STORM DRAIN interface elements.
• Cross section numbers plotted.
• Lowest cells in the grid system plotted.
• Cells without cross sections plotted.
• Reservoir water elevations plotted.
• Grid element curve numbers displayed as text.
• Supplement.dat file restores images, shape files and polylines to project when opened.

There are a number of GDS tutorials with examples to help you learn the various
commands, features and tools. These tutorials are available on the FLO-2D installation. There
are also example projects provided to work through with the tutorials.

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1.3 Data Requirements
GDS data are introduced through Windows dialog boxes and are stored in files for later
retrieval. User input data is validated to avoid out-of-range values. Default or recommended
values are frequently displayed when the dialog boxes open. The GDS may require or use the
following data:
• Terrain elevation data represented as random topographic points (DTM);
• Terrain elevation data in ASCII grid files;
• Study region limits (coordinates);
• Manning’s roughness (n-value) shape files;
• Soil shape files and tables;
• Land use shape files and tables;
• Image files in any of the following format: BMP, JPG, ArcInfo INFO Grid, GeoTIFF TIFF
with a Geo header, Image Catalogs, JPEG, MrSID, TIFF, JPEG, BMP;
• Rainfall gage data in ASCII grid files;
• Flood inflow hydrographs.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the GDS system to function properly, the MS-Windows environment
decimal symbol must be set to decimal point “.” And the digit grouping symbol to comma”,”. Set
these options in the Control Panel/Regional and Language Options/Regional
Options/Formats/Additional settings/Numbers// dialog box:

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Mouse Button Commands
2.1 Left Button actions (one-click)
Zoom-in on the working region by selecting a rectangular area for a zoom view. Click
the left mouse button to position the cursor on one the vertices of the desired area and drag the
mouse to the opposite vertex. The rectangle appears to outline the selected zoom area.

When the button is released, the selected rectangular area is magnified to the full screen.

Clicking on a street or channel segment will display a submenu that allows editing, modifying or
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deleting the segment.

2.2 Left Button actions (double-click)

After the grid system has been created and the grid element elevations assigned,
double-click any grid element to display the following dialog box:

This dialog box is used to edit elevation, n-value, limiting Froude number, and tolerance for any
grid element. There are buttons to edit the grid element attributes such as levees, infiltration,
streets, etc.

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2.3 Right Button actions
After the grid system has been created and the grid element elevations assigned, you
can right-click a grid element to display the following short cut menu:

Clicking In/Out Condition for Element … and the inflow/outflow dialog box is displayed. The
input description for the FLO-2D inflow or outflow data is explained in chapter 5.

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Click Create Reservoir Water Elevation for Element …

This dialog box allows the user to define a reservoir. The reservoir is defined by clicking an
element within the banks of the reservoir and setting a water surface elevation. At runtime, the
FLO.EXE will find each element that is lower than the water surface elevation and fill it to that
specified elevation.

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Toolbar and Menus
This section describes the GDS commands in the information toolbar and main Menu.

3.1 Toolbar

Toolbar
Icon
Function
Start new project (define region)

Open existing FLO-2D project

Save FLO-2D data files
View extent of modeling region (100% view)

Zoom out to previous view

Pan view

Select
Insert elevation point

Select grid element by grid element

Select grid elements defined by polygon

Unselect all grid elements

Levee express editor

Toggle component view

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3.2 File Menu Commands:

3.2.1 Define Working Region (File Menu)

This command creates a new project. The user is prompted for the coordinates that define
the project working region.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Only one project can open at a time in a single GDS
execution. If there is a project open when this command is selected, the GDS will
prompt you to save the current project. It is OK to open more than one GDS at a
time.

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The following table explains the required variables:

OPTION DESCRIPTION
X (Upper Right Corner) The X coordinate of the upper right hand corner that defines the
working region.
Y (Upper Right Corner) The Y coordinate of the upper right hand corner that defines the
working region.
X (Lower Left Corner) The X coordinate of the lower left hand corner that defines the working
region.
Y (Lower Left Corner) The Y coordinate of the lower left hand corner that defines the working
region.

3.2.2 New Project/from DTM Elevation Points (File Menu)

A new project is created by importing the DTM elevation points from an existing file. To
import the DTM (*.PTS) file click this command in the File menu and chose the correct filename
in your project subdirectory. The working region is automatically scaled from the minimum and
maximum point coordinates.

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 3.2.3 New Project/from Existing ArcInfo ASCII Grid File... (File Menu)

Using this command, a new project is created by importing the terrain elevation points
from an existing ArcInfo ASCII grid file. The format of these files is as follows:
ncols /* Number of columns in the grid */
nrows /* Number of rows in the grid */
xllcorner x /* Lower left x coordinate of grid */
yllcorner y /* Lower left x coordinate of grid */
cellsize size /* Grid cell size */
NODATRA_value NODATA /* value of an empty grid cell */
z11 z12 z13 ... z1ncols /* values of row 1 */
z21 z22 z23 ... z2ncols /* values of row 2 */
…
…
znrows1 znrows2 znrows3 ... znrowsncols /* values of last row*/

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Rows are read from north to south. For example:
ncols 388
nrows 461
xllcorner 674070.85270015
yllcorner 1000118.1562353
cellsize 100
NODATA_value -9999
2477.259 2480.868 2486.877 2486.877 2487.308 2490.641 2493.438 2493.438
2493.438. . .
The project area is automatically scaled from the minimum and maximum point coordinates. To
import the ArcInfo ASCII Grid File (*.ASC) file click this command in the File menu and choose
the correct filename in your project subdirectory.

3.2.4 New Project/from Existing Shapefile… (File Menu)

A new project can be created by importing an ESRI PointZ Shape file. The working
region is automatically scaled from coordinate data in the shape file.
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 IMPORTANT NOTE: GDS is only able to extract data from PointZ shape files, not
from polygon or line shape files. Polygon and Polyline shape files can be
converted into PointZ shape files.

3.2.5 New Project/from FLO-2D Project … (File Menu)

A new project grid system can be created by importing an existing FLO-2D project. The
working region and the FLO-2D grid are automatically scaled from the minimum and maximum
coordinate points. To use this option, click this command in the File menu and chose the
FPLAIN.DAT file in your project subdirectory. The CONT.DAT data file must exist in the
subdirectory. An existing project may have various components that have already been
developed such as channels, streets, levees, etc. The components that you want to import can
be identified in the FLO-2D Components dialog box.

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Only existing components will be available, otherwise the corresponding check boxes will be
grayed out. Existing component data (such as reduction factors or levees) can be graphically
edited by simply clicking on the grid element with the left mouse button. A dialog box will
appear so that you can select the component for editing. This editing procedure is different
from the procedure creating new components such as streets or channels.
If the user unchecks the component or unchecks “View Components”, the component will not
be loaded and cannot be edited or saved. The save button will overwrite the unloaded
component data file.

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 3.2.6 New Project/from Existing CAD File (File Menu)

This option provides a way to start a GDS project by importing a DXF or DWG CAD file.
The working region and FLO-2D grid system are automatically scaled from the existing CAD file
extents.

3.2.7 New Project/from Existing HEC-RAS .PRJ File (File Menu)

Use this option to import it to start a FLO-2D project when you have a Geo-referenced
HEC-RAS project file (*.prj) that includes channel reaches. The working region and FLO-2D grid
system are automatically scaled from the existing HEC-RAS project file extents.

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3.2.8 New Project/from Existing Levee File (File Menu)

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 The levee file consists of sequences of polylines points defined by their coordinates and
elevation, separated by commas or spaces (with empty newlines between the polylines):

364440 1186051 4765

364817 1185937 4750
365157 1185930 4742

363190 1186215 4800

363320 1185891 4789
363710 1185875 4769

367261.53 1185897.38 4705.00

367274.59 1185885.00 4705.00
367289.69 1185872.63 4705.00
367304.13 1185866.50 4705.00
367322.69 1185866.50 4705.00
367339.16 1185865.75 4705.00

3.2.9 Open Existing FLO-2D Project … (File Menu)

Use this command to load the existing FLO-2D project from the data files. The
FPLAIN.DAT file is a reference file that the GDS and Mapper++ use to locate the .DAT and .OUT
files.

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3.2.10 Save FLO-2D Files (File Menu)

This command is used to save the FLO-2D data files for use with the FLO-2D model.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In order to save a project using this command, the Control
Variables must be set.

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 3.2.11 Run FLO-2D… (File Menu)

Use this command to run the FLO-2D model from the GDS. Click Run FLO-2D, the
following dialog box will be displayed:

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In this dialog box, the control parameters can be selected for a FLO-2D simulation. To start a
basic overland flood simulation, the user must input the project simulation time (SIMUL) and the
output interval (TOUT) in the Time Control and Plot Variables frame. Also check Detailed
Graphics to display flood graphics during the model run. To start the model, click the Run FLO-
2D button. To save the FLO-2D input files (.DAT files) without running the model click the Save
FLO-2D input files button.

Check the Animate Flow within GDS to plot animated flow depth while the model is running.
This feature displays the animated flooding over background aerial photos. The FLO-2D
simulation may be slowed down due to the graphic display of the aerial photo. If only simple
animation is required without background images, unselect the check button (as shown above)
and the model simulation will run faster.

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 3.2.12 Run Mapper (File Menu)

This command initiates the Mapper PRO or Mapper++ post-processor programs to

create flood post production mapping. Detailed instructions of the Mapper programs are
presented in the separate manuals.

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 3.2.13 Run PROFILES (File Menu)
Use this command to run the PROFILES program, used to interpolate channel cross
sections and slopes.

3.2.14 Run RAIN (File Menu)

Use this command to run the RAIN program.

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 3.2.15 Create FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT Files (File Menu)

This is an optional command to create only FPLAIN.DAT and CADPTS.DAT files required
by FLO-2D. These two topographic files are then created separately without the other required
FLO-2D files. This is procedure is appropriate when creating a grid system in segments for later
compilation.

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 3.2.16 Create LEVEECRESTS.DAT (File Menu)

This file is used to verify levee length data. The command exports levee and WFR stations
and calculates a length to the station for the levee segment along a polyline.

An example of LEVEECRESTS.DAT:

Node Station Z X Y

627 00.00 69.638 2226721.750 13565007.000

582 35.59 69.957 2226849.000 13565100.000

582 66.71 70.142 2226976.250 13565153.000

582 97.76 70.194 2227029.000 13565280.000

First the levee polyline is imported ("File. Import Levees...") and the levees are created. Then
the user selects the command: "File. Create LEVEECRESTS.DAT" and the station calculation
compares the length of the polyline (Poly_Length) and the total length of the levees
(Levees_Length) to determine a WRF value to match the lengths:
WRF_value = 1 - Min(1, Poly_Length(i) / Levees_Length(i))

The stations (second column in LEVEECRESTS.DAT are then calculated from the distance from
one levee center to the next levee center by multiplying it by the WRF_value.

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 3.2.17 Create Grid Shapefile (File Menu)

This option will create a shape file of the computational domain. It will only include the
numbered grid elements. The shapefile is saved in these three files. mgrid.shp, mgrid.shx and
mgrid.dbf.

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 3.2.18 Import Image/Individual Image (File Menu)

Use this command to import individual images such as aerial photos. Images are
selected one by one or multiple images at a time Shift-clicking or Crtl-clicking the image files.

24
Import images that have been created in following formats:
File Type Description Common Extensions
ARC/INFO Grid ArcInfo GRID files *asc, *.prj
ADRG Digitized Raster Graphic *.img, *.ovr,*.arc
ASRP/USRP DIGEST ASRP, A NATO Military format *.img, *.ovr, *.
BIL Band interleaved by line multiband images *.bil
BIP Band interleaved by pixel multiband images *.bip
BMP Windows bitmap *.bmp, *.dib
BSQ Band sequential multiband images *.bsq
CADRG Compressed Arc Digitized Raster Graphics *.*
CIB Controlled Image Base *.*
CRP Compressed Raster Product (Military *.tif
ERDAS/IMAGINE GeoTIFF) *.gis, *.lan
GeoTIFF TIFF with a Geo header *.tif, *.tff, *.tiff
GIF Graphics Interchange Format *.gif
Image Catalogs Image catalog (collection of images) *.*
IMPELL RLC Run-length compressed files *.rlc
JPEG JPEG *.jpg, *.jpeg
MrSID Multi-Resolution Seamless Image Database *.sid
NITF National Imagery Transfer Format *.ntf
Sun raster file *.rs, *.ras; *.sun
SVF Single Variable File *.svf
TIFF Tagged Image File Format *.tif, *.tff, *.tiff

To correctly place the image or photo in a geo-referenced frame, it must be accompanied by a

world file that contains geo-reference data. This world file has an extension depending on the
image and file type and according to the table below. For example, an image with a file name
myimage.bmp, must have a world file associated with it named myimage.bmpw or
myimage.bpw
File Extension World File Extension
bmp bmpw or bpw
jpg; jpeg jpgw or jgw
tif; tff; tiff tfw
gis gsw
lan lnw
bil blw
bip bpw
bsq bqw
sid sdw
sun snw
rs; ras rsw
rlc rcw

25
The world file has the following general format:
Line 1: This line has the dimension of a pixel in map units in the x-direction.
Lines 2, 3: These lines are the rotation terms (Not used in this release).
Line 4: This value is always negative because the image space is top-down whereas the
map space is bottom-up.
Line 5: This line has the translation term; x-Origin (x-coordinate of the center of the
upper left pixel).
Line 6: This line has the translation term; y-Origin (y-coordinate of the center of the
upper left pixel).

An example world file format is:

20
0
0
-20
637510
1032490

3.2.19 Import Image/Group of Images (File Menu)

This command allows importing of several image files contained in a given subdirectory
and part of an image catalog. First draw a polygon on the working region and then select an
image catalog file.

26
The catalog file may be in DBASE or ASCII format and has the following format:

Image Xmin Ymin Xmax Ymax

140000
C:\Projects\MaricopaCounty\Data\ 6401030-5.TIF 640000 1000000 670000 0
150000
C:\ Projects \MaricopaCounty\Data\ 6401035-5.TIF 660000 1300000 770000 0
151000
\\Agua\IMF\Publico IMF\ 6401055-5.TIF 630000 1300000 750000 0

The first column is the file name including its path and the following four columns are the image
coordinate limits. The GDS will find all images from the catalog that are contained within or
intersected by the user defined polygon and will retrieve the corresponding images.

27
 3.2.20 Import Elevation Points/ DTM Points… (File Menu)

This command imports DTM elevation points from an existing file. Several data files can
be imported and the new points are appended to the existing data points. The user can also mix
or combine DTM points with points from ArcInfo ASCII grid files.

28
 3.2.21 Individual ArcInfo ASCII Grid File (File Menu)

Use this command to import ArcInfo ASCII grid files. The user may import several grid
files. Any new points are added to the existing data. You may also mix or combine ArcInfo ASCII
data with DTM points.

29
 3.2.22 ArcInfo ASCII Grid File Catalog (File Menu)

With this command you can import several ArcInfo ASCII grid files stored in any
subdirectory. First draw a polygon on the working region, then select a catalog file. The catalog
file may be in DBASE or ASCII format and has the following format:
ASCII Grid File Xmin Ymin Xmax Ymax
C:\Projects\MaricopaCounty\Data\grd2375-100.asc 640000 1000000 670000 1400000
C:\ Projects \MaricopaCounty\Data\grd2376-100.asc 500000 1000000 900000 1500000
\\Agua\IMF\Publico IMF\grd2476-100.asc 510000 1000000 740000 1510000

The first column is the file name including the path name. The following four columns are the
coordinate data limits in each file. The GDS will automatically find all data files that are
contained within or intersected by the user defined polygon and will retrieve/display the
corresponding files. Grid files generally contain a large number of points and loading may take
several minutes, but once loaded, the points are quickly displayed. If the display time becomes
too long for a given large data point set, you can use the Esc key to stop the display process.

30
 3.2.23 Import Shape File (File Menu)

This command will import ESRI shape files.

3.2.24 Import Rain ArcInfo ASCII Grid File (File Menu)

An ASCII grid file can be imported as a FLO-2D grid system or used to delineate other
boundaries such as a rainfall gage grid system.

31
3.2.25 Import HEC-RAS Channels… (File Menu)
This command allows importing channel reaches from geo-referenced HEC-RAS project.

3.2.26 Import CAD Graphic … (File Menu)

Use this command to import DXF or DWG CAD files.

32
 3.2.27 Import Levees... (File Menu)

Use this command to import levee polyline vertices in the form of xyz space or coma
delimited text file. The file extension is *.xyz.

33
 3.2.28 Save Elevation Points (File Menu)

After deleting any DTM points or adding points from multiple files, this command will
save the remaining points to a single file.

34
 3.2.29 Export… (File Menu)

Use this command to export the current screen view to one of various image formats.
Click the Export Command and the following dialog box appears:

Choose an image export format such as Bitmap, JPEG, etc and adjust the scale factor of the
image to obtain better print quality. When you click the Export button, input the image file
name and select the directory to save the image as shown in the following file dialog box:

35
3.2.30 Open Recent Projects (File Menu)

This command allows the user to open recently opened projects.

36
 3.2.31 Exit (File Menu)

This command ends the GDS session. The GDS will prompt the user to save the current
project.

37
3.3 View Menu Commands:

3.3.1 View All (View Menu)

Use the View All command or click the View All icon to return the working region
to its original full size. To Zoom-in (increase the magnification), click in the working region and
drag the mouse to outline the area of interest.

3.3.2 Zoom Out Previous View (View Menu)

39
 Use the Zoom Out Previous View command or click the Zoom Out Previous View Button
to return to the previous zoom extent

3.3.3 Zoom Out 10% (View Menu)

Use the Zoom Out 10% View command to reduce the current view 10% in size.

3.3.4 Pan (View Menu)

40
 Use the Pan command or use the Pan Toolbar icon to move around within the
working region view. Click and drag the mouse to pan around. Use the View All command (or
toolbar icon) to return to a full view of the working region or click the Select icon to exit the
pan mode.

3.3.5 Layers List (View Menu)

This command opens the Layer dialog box.

Layers may be visible or invisible. Change the layer visible status by checking the Visible
check box. In the example above there are two active layers. Use the and icons to
41
highlight and move between the various layers. Click the Apply button to accept the changes.
Delete any layer by checking the Delete check box and then clicking the Apply button. After any
modifications to the layers, click Apply prior to clicking OK.

To enter the Layer Properties Dialog box double click an active layer. The following dialog
appears:

This dialog box allows the user to modify layer colors, transparency, number of classes or
divisions, add point captions, font styles, etc. Use the Adv label option to add labels to DTM
points in the Elevation layer.

Click the Apply button and then the Close button to accept the changes.

42
 3.3.6 Track Elevation Points (View Menu)

This command queries individual terrain elevation points and displays the data for the
selected point in the toolbar point elevation box. The mouse cursor changes to the inquiry
mode to show that this option is active .

43
 3.3.7 Grid Element #’s, Elevations, and n-values and Curve Numbers (View Menu)

Use these commands to display grid element numbers, elevations, Manning’s n-values
or Curve Numbers inside the grid elements. Each command can be toggled and used jointly to
display three values. Note that if the grid system is large, the numbers may not fit into the
elements. Zoom in to enlarge the view and to clearly see the element numbers. In each
element, the first number is the grid element number, the second is the terrain elevation and
the third the Manning’s n value. Manning's n-value and the SCS curve number are selected
separately.

44
3.3.8 Grid... (View Menu)

This command customizes the grid display.

3.3.9 View Components (View Menu)

45
 These commands enable the user to view or hide FLO-2D components. The component
view can be toggled on or off in any combination. These are some example views of the
different FLO-2D components as represented in GDS:

GDS Graphic
Component Component GDS Graphic
Representation
Representation

Channels Channel Confluence

Reduction Factors Infiltration

No Exchange
Streets Channel-Floodplain
Elements

Floodplain Cross
Outflow Elements
Sections

Inflow Elements Hydraulic Structures

Levees Watersheds

Detention Basins Multiple Channels

Storm Drain Inlet

Watercourse Directions Storm Drain Junction
and Outlet

46
 3.3.10 View Elevation Points (View Menu)

Displays elevation points assigning colors as a function of elevation.

3.3.11 Non-Interpolated Grid Elements (View Menu)

Displays non-interpolated grid elements. These elements remained un-interpolated
they did not have DTM elevation points within the grid element space during interpolation. The
user chose not to interpolate the elevation of grid elements that did not have any DTM points
within the grid element space.

47
3.3.12 Manning’s n Values Rendering (View Menu)
Plots colored hatched pattern on the elements according to the Manning’s n value.

3.3.13 Grid Element Elevation Rendering (View Menu)

Plots colored solid or hatched grid elements according to the elevations.

48
 3.3.14 Highlight Grid Element Number… (View Menu)

Enter a grid element number in the following dialog box to locate it in the FLO-2D grid.
When you click the Highlight button, the grid element will blink to identify it. Note that if the
selected element number is not in the current view, you may have to zoom out to see it.
Use the “Zoom to” dropdown list to zoom in or zoom out. Or the “+” and “-“ buttons.
3.3.15 Find the Lowest Cell in the Grid System (View Menu)
This command colors the 4th lowest grid elements.

49
 3.3.16 Cross Section Numbers… (View Menu)
This command displays cross section numbers for Natural Channels.

3.3.17 Cells without Cross Section Numbers… (View Menu)

This command displays natural channel grid elements that do not have any assigned
cross section. The grid elements without cross sections assigned are highlighted in blue.

50
 3.3.18 Levee Polyline (View Menu)

Use this command to view the polylines that were produced when the levee data was
imported or created along a polyline.

3.3.19 Redraw (View Menu)

Use this command to redraw the visible objects in the working region.

51
3.4 Design Menu Commands:

3.4.1 Elevation Points/Insert (Design Menu)

Use this command (or the icon) to insert elevation data at selected points within
the working region. To use this tool:

1. Select the Elevation Points/Insert command (Design menu) or the toolbar icon and
click the left mouse button.
2. A dialog box appears for the elevation entry in feet or meters. Click ‘OK’ to accept the
value.

3. Click a point within the working region to assign this elevation data.
4. Repeat step 3 as many times as needed.

3.4.2 Elevation Points/Create Elevation Points Layer (Design Menu)

To optimize display times, GDS does not automatically create the Elevation points layer.
Use this command to create the elevation point layer.

3.4.3 Elevation Points/Delete Elevation Points from Selected Area (Design Menu)

This command deletes elevation data points within the working region. To use this tool:

53
 1. Select the Elevation Points/ Delete Elevation Points from Selected Area command
(Design menu).
2. Click OK, draw the polygon and select yes to delete the points within the polygon.

3. To save the edited DTM points file, click the Save Elevation Points command (File Menu)

3.4.4 Elevation Points/Delete Elevation Points Outside Range (Design Menu)

Deletes elevation data points outside a specified range.

54
3.4.5 Grid Element Text Style (Design Menu)

Use these commands to edit the text styles for the grid element number, elevation, or
Manning’s n-value. Set the relative position of the number in the square grid element (upper,
middle or down positions). The Font Properties… button is used to change, font type, style, size,
etc.

3.4.6 Channel Style (Design Menu)

Use this command will change the line width used to represent channels. The GDS
displays this dialog box to set the line width. Click Apply and then ‘OK’ to change to the selected
channel line width display

55
3.4.7 Area Reduction Factor Style (Design Menu)

To change the display of area reduction factor in a grid element chose from Solid,
Hollow (with boundary display of different pen widths) or Hatched rendering with various
hatching options. Click Apply and then ‘OK’ to change to the selected style.

56
3.5 Grid Menu Commands:

3.5.1 Create Grid (Grid Menu)

Command to create the grid system template of square elements for the FLO-2D model.
To use the Create Grid command:
1. Select the Create Grid command (Grid menu).
2. A dialog box appears requesting the square grid element size or side length (ft or m):

3. Select ‘OK’ to accept the value.

4. The GDS system will automatically overlay a grid template that is centered in the working
region. The grid elements will be centered on each node.

3.5.2 Select/Grid Element (Grid Menu)

57
 Use this command (or the icon in the tool bar) to select one or more grid elements.
With the Assign Parameters to Selection command, assign attribute values to the selected grid
elements. To use the Select / Grid element command:
1. Choose the Select/Grid element command (Grid menu).
2. The cursor changes to a cross.
3. Click the grid element/s to select them.
4. Repeat step 3 for each selected element.

To unselect previously selected elements, click them again. To select a group of elements, press
the Shift key simultaneously with the left mouse button and drag the mouse pointer over the
desired elements. To unselect a group of elements press the Control key and the left mouse
button, then drag the mouse pointer over the elements you want to unselect. When dragging
the mouse over the grid elements, they are painted to indicate your selection. After a grid
element or group of elements is selected, use the Assign Parameters to Selection command to
assign various attributes to the selected elements.

3.5.3 Select/Grid Elements Defined by Polygon (Grid Menu)

This command (or the icon in the tool bar) will select all the grid elements within a
user defined polygon. Attributes can then be assigned to the selected elements using the Assign
Parameters to Selection command. It may be necessary to create a grid layer first.

58
3.5.4 Select/Grid Elements Intersected by Shapefile (Grid Menu)

Use this command to allow the use an imported polylines shapefile to intersect the grid
domain to select grid elements. The shapefile should have been previously imported using the
command “File. Import Shapefile…”
3.5.5 Select/Inner Grid Elements (Grid Menu)

This command will select all the grid elements within the computational domain and
hatch them with diagonal lines. Use the Assign Parameters to Selection command to assign
various attributes to the selected elements.

59
3.5.6 Select/Unselect All (Grid Menu)

This command will unselect all the elements previously selected with the Select
command. The toolbar icon will also perform this function.

3.5.7 Assign Parameters to Selection/Elevations (Grid Menu)

Assign an elevation to selected grid elements. Enter an elevation value or enter a

distance to raise or lower the elevation. Use positive numbers to raise the elevation and
negative numbers to lower the elevation. Click ‘OK’ to change the elevation to the selected
elements.
60
3.5.8 Assign Parameters to Selection/Manning’s Coefficient (Grid Menu)

A Manning’s roughness coefficient (n-value) is assigned to the grid elements previously

selected with the Select command. A dialog box appears prompting you to enter the n-value:

3.5.9 Assign Parameters to Selection/Area and With Reduction Factors (Grid Menu)

This command is used to assign area and width reduction attributes to the selected grid
elements. A dialog box appears prompting the user to enter the Area Reduction Factor (ARF)
and the Width Reduction (WRF) factors:

61
After clicking ‘OK’, the assigned ARF and WRF values will appear graphically as follows:

The colored cells indicate varying levels of storage loss (ARF values). The colored lines reflect
the varying levels of flow direction blockage (WRF values). Eight potential flow directions for
each grid element can be assigned to identify complete blockage. It should be noted that each
grid element can share discharge in eight directions.

3.5.10 Assign Parameters to Selection/Levee (Grid Menu)

62
 Use this command to assign levee and levee failure parameters to the selected grid
elements. A dialog box will appear with the grid element floodplain elevation across the levee in
that flow direction for reference. Click a check box to set up a levee for each selected direction.
A text box will appear just below each direction to input the levee crest elevation. Note that the
levee crest must be higher than the grid element elevation and the elevation of the grid element
in the cut off direction. Redundant levee cut off directions will not be accepted by the GDS or
the FLO-2D model. This dialog box can also be used to edit the grid element elevation.

Each data entry is described below:

Incremental increase in crest elevation for all the levee nodes (RAISLEV)
Global incremental increase in levee crest elevation (ft or m) for all the levee grid
elements.
Global Failure Mode provides two modes of failure:
Prescribed failure used to provide predetermined breach data in the bottom part of the
dialog
or
63
 Breach failure where the model simulates the breach erosion from overtopping or piping.
In this case, breach parameters should be entered clicking the Open Breach Dialog
button.
Flow direction cutoff direction
Check buttons to define the flow direction (of the 8 possible overland flow directions)
that will be cutoff by a levee.
Levee Crest Elevation (LEVELEV)
Elevation (ft or m) of the top of the levee.

Assign to all button

Assigns the cutoff flow direction and levee crest elevation to all selected grid elements.
Levee failure for this direction
Enables input parameters to be assigned for levee prescribed failure modeling for the
selected direction.
Elevation of prescribed failure
Assign the maximum water surface elevation at failure (FAILEVEL) if is different than the
levee crest (LEVELEV). This enables the levee to fail prior to being overtopped. Set the
FAILEVEL variable to zero to simulate levee failure when it is overtopped.
Duration (hrs) for failure after failure level is exceeded (FAILTIME)
Duration in hours until levee failure after the FAILEVEL elevation is exceeded by the flow
depth. Set this variable to zero if the level fails immediately when overtopped or when
FAILEVEL is exceeded.
Base elevation of levee failure if different from floodplain elevation (LEVBASE)
The final elevation of the levee after failure is completed. This enables the levee to fail to
an elevation that is different from the floodplain elevation. Set this variable to zero if
levee failure results in the complete levee failure to the floodplain elevation.
Initial levee breach width (FAILWIDTH)
The initial flow width (ft or m) of levee failure. This flow width relates to one of the eight
flow directions and should be less than the length of an octagon side (length of the side
of a grid element x 0.4142).
Vertical rate of levee breach opening (FAILRATE)
The rate of vertical levee failure (ft/hr or m/hr).
Horizontal rate of levee breach opening (FAILWIDRATE)
The rate at which the levee breach widens (ft/hr or m/hr). The breach stops increasing if
the breach exceeds the grid element width for that direction.

64
3.5.11 Assign Parameters to Selection/Multiple Channels (Grid Menu)

This command is used to define multiple channels that simulate rill and gully flow on the
floodplain. For this component, concentrated rill and gully flow (flow in rectangular channel)
rather than overland sheet flow will be simulated to route the flow between designated
floodplain grid elements. The following dialog box is used to input the multiple channel data:

3.5.12 Assign Parameters to Selection/Inflow/Outflow Condition (Grid Menu)

Use this command to define inflow and outflow elements in selected grid elements. The
In/Out Condition dialog box allows editing these boundary conditions:

65
3.5.12.1 Setting inflow nodes
Clicking the first radio button will assign an inflow hydrograph to a grid element. If
there is a channel in the selected element, you can assign the hydrograph to either the channel
or the floodplain. When the user selects the radio button ‘Inflow element with hydrograph’, the
‘Hydrograph’ data group is activated. The “Read” button displays a dialog box to import a
hydrograph with HEC-1, Tape21, HYD or ASCII files formats:

The HEC-1 file option will display all the hydrographs at basin concentration points in a Corps of
Engineers HEC-1 hydrologic model output file. The user can select an inflow hydrograph from
the HEC-1 file:

66
After selecting the HEC-1 hydrograph and clicking ‘OK’, the hydrograph data are loaded into the
Hydrograph group table in the above dialog box. *.HYD files are ASCII files generated by the
GDS to save the hydrograph data. They are created with the “Save Table” button. The first line
contains the initial and final time of the hydrograph selected with the “Select Time Interval”
button. The time and discharge discretized hydrograph pairs follow in two columns of data.
These files can be used to:
• Recover the hydrographs when a project is read from a TOP file;
• Redefine the project area when the INFLOW.DAT becomes obsolete because the grid
element numbers change. The *.HYD files enable the hydrographs to be recovered for
assignment to new grid elements.
• *.HYD files permanently store hydrographs that could be imported to other projects or
grid elements in the same project.

The “Edit” button can be used to edit hydrograph values, insert rows, delete rows, or
sort rows in ascending order (time column). This button a displays an editor dialog box:

67
The “View Graph” button of the above In/Out Condition dialog box plots the hydrograph in the
following window:

The user may select the initial and final time for the inflow hydrograph. For example, selecting
Initial Time = 10.0 hours and Final Time = 16.0 will redefine the hydrograph limits and in this
eliminate a number of unnecessary zero values on the rising and falling limbs of the hydrograph.

Inflow grid elements with assigned hydrographs are displayed in GDS with a distinct
color for identification. When the user selects “No Inflow/Outflow condition” and clicks ‘OK’,
the grid element recovers its original color to indicate the absence of an inflow or outflow node.
Inflow nodes and the linked hydrographs will be written to the INFLOW.DAT file. Outflow nodes
are assigned though the option “Outflow element (no hydrograph)”. The list of outflow nodes
will be written to the OUTFLOW.DAT file.

Initial Assignment of Hydrographs

The initial assignment of hydrographs to inflow nodes has three options:
1. Project is created from FLO-2D project (GDS command “File. New Project from FLO-2D
Project”). In this case INFLOW.DAT is used by the GDS system to assign hydrographs to
pre-selected grid elements.
2. All other methods of creating a project. The user will be required to create the grid
system and then later right-click the selected inflow nodes to assign hydrographs as
described above.
68
3.5.12.2 Setting outflow nodes
These are the options for outflow nodes:
3.5.12.3 Outflow element (no hydrograph):

• Line ‘O’ for floodplain

• Line ‘K’ for Channel
• An element containing an outflow node must have a
lower elevation than the contiguous upstream
elements.
o Floodplain element elevation will be reset to 0.1
ft lower than the lowest contiguous upstream
element if the outflow node elevation is initially
higher. This change occurs automatically at
runtime.
o Channel elements will generate an error in the
GDS and when the engine is executed. An error
report is written to the error.chk file and the
channel bed elevation must be manually
adjusted.

For this outflow assignment, the outflow nodes discharge all

the inflow to them off the grid system using an approximate
normal depth flow condition. The outflow node is essentially
a sink.

3.5.12.4 Outflow element with hydrograph (diversion):

• This diversion data is written to the INFLOW.DAT file.

• This option is for Channels only.
• The grayed-out appearance for FP and FP/Channel,
indicating that those 2 commands are unavailable
• This option is used to account for irrigation or any other
kind of diversion from a channel in a Time / Discharge
(cfs or cms) relationship.
• If the discharge in the channel does not meet the level
of the discharge in the diversion hydrograph, the
element will divert all of the water it can take.
• Any water that exceeds the diversion hydrograph will
continue downstream.

69
3.5.12.5 Outflow element with stage-time relationship:
This option is for Channel and Floodplain.
• The grayed-out appearance for FP/Channel, indicating
that command is unavailable
• No ‘O’ or ‘K’ lines (type 1)
• Only ‘N’ lines for stage-time relationship.
• FP and channel elements will be different only on the
third column of the ‘N’ lines, the identifier will be
different:
o N Grid Cell FP_ID=0
o N Grid Cell Channel_ID=1
• Use this type of outflow when the downstream stage
will add water to the modeling surface as.
o Tsunamis
o Storm stage
o Downstream flooding stage. i.e. Mississippi
River
• The initial stage for each grid element should start at
near ground elevation and ramp up to avoid volume
conservation errors.
• If the stage is lower than the grid element elevation, it is
reset to the grid element elevation at runtime until the
time that it goes above the grid element elevation.

Use this water surface control to simulate flooding from storm surges/tsunamis or any
type of water surface elevation control such as tidal effects or time variable backwater
conditions. For example, it is possible to model the flooding in a coastal area produced by storm
surges generated by tropical storms, hurricanes or tsunamis where the ocean stage's rise and
fall has a limited duration. This condition can be assigned to nodes along the coastal boundary
to simulate ocean flooding in an urban area. The grid element with a stage-time relationship
does not have to be along the red boundary.

70
3.5.12.6 Outflow element with stage-time and free floodplain and channel:
This option is for Channel or Floodplain.
• Grey out appearance for FP/Channel, indicating that
command is unavailable
• Redundant ‘O’ or ‘K’ lines are needed depending on if
the element is a FP cell or a channel cell.
• ‘N’ lines for stage-time relationship are needed.
• FP and channel elements will be different on the third
column of ‘N’ Line, the identifier will be different:
o N Grid Cell FP_ID=0
o N Grid Cell Channel_ID=1
• Use this configuration when a water surface elevation
along a boundary needs to be held like with Flood
Insurance Mapping.
• The initial stage for each grid element should start at
near ground elevation and ramp up to avoid volume
conservation errors.
• If the stage is lower than the grid element elevation, it is
reset to the grid element elevation at runtime until the
time that it goes above the grid element elevation.

This outflow condition is a combination of the stage-time relationship and normal depth
outflow node for the either the floodplain or channel. In this case, the water surface elevation is
held along the boundary by the stage-time relationship. Anything higher than the stage leaves
the system through the same outflow node. The main difference between this outflow
condition and the previous one is that it will not add water to the upstream grid system. The
water is held at the node.

71
3.5.12.7 Channel outflow element (with stage-discharge):
This option is for channel outflow where a stage discharge
relationship is known.
• Assign this outflow node to a gaged channel element at
the end of a project or a bridge at the end of a project.
• Multiple curves can be used and a curve is valid up to
the given depth. That is why it is called a Max Depth.
• ‘H’ lines for discharge curve relationship are needed.
o Max Depth
o Coefficient
o Exponent

Use this option to assign a stage-discharge relationship

to the channel. In this case, the channel outflow discharge will
be controlled by assigned stage discharge pairs to simulate a
weir, culvert or other water surface hydraulic control.

3.5.12.8 Channel outflow element (with depth-discharge):

This option does not work. I believe it was supposed to
be used to fill in the time / discharge method for a channel
element with a known time / discharge data set. If a user needs
to use the Time Discharge method, it is best to review the Data
Input Manual.
Set it up in the OUTFLOW.DAT file as follows using a
text editor. It is space delimited and all characters are
capitalized.

K 1007
T 0.0 0.00
T 3.0 50.35
T 5.0 157.67
T 10.0 366.58

72
3.5.12.9 Outflow node Q reported to INFLOWx.DAT:
This option is used for capturing the discharge from an
upstream model.
• See Lesson 13 for a tutorial on how to use this method.
• All flow captured by the outflow node will be written to
a corresponding INFLOWx.DAT file.
• The two grid systems must overlap at the boundary to
set the data up correctly.

Use this option to assign a stage-discharge relationship

to the channel. In this case, the channel outflow discharge will
be controlled by assigned stage discharge pairs to simulate a
weir, culvert or other water surface hydraulic control.

3.5.12.10 No Outflow Condition

Use this option to clear the In/Out condition from any
element. Select the elements with either an inflow or outflow
condition and click the radio button. Click OK to delete the data
from the INFLOW.DAT and OUTFLOW.DAT files.

73
3.5.13 Assign Parameters to Selection/Infiltration (Grid Menu)

Use this option to assign infiltration data to the selected grid elements in the following
dialog box:

74
3.5.14 Assign Parameters to Selection/No Discharge Exchange (Grid Menu)

Identify channel elements that will not exchange discharge with the floodplain (e.g.
channel culvert or enclosed channel where no floodplain inflow can occur).

3.5.15 Assign Parameters to Selection/Time-Variant Groundwater Head (Grid Menu)

Use this command when using the MODFLOW groundwater flow model link to impose a
time series of groundwater head at the selected nodes.

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3.5.16 Assign Parameters to Selection/Rigid Bed Element (Grid Menu)

Setup elements that do not scour during the sediment transport simulation.

3.5.17 Assign Parameters to Selection/Variable Sediment Size Fraction (Grid Menu)

This command requires the definition of transport equations. See “Tools. Mud and
Sediment Transport”

76
3.5.18 Assign Parameters to Selection/Limiting Froude Number (Grid Menu)

Use this command to setup spatially variable limiting Froude numbers.

3.5.19 Assign Parameters to Selection/Cell Elevation Adjustment (Grid Menu)

Use this command to adjust elevations for the selected cells and their neighbors:

77
3.5.20 Assign Parameters to Selection/Cell Tolerance (Grid Menu)

Assign cell tolerances to the selected cells.

78
3.5.21 Interpolate Elevation Points (Grid Menu)

Use this command to interpolate and assign all the grid element elevations in the
computational domain. The interpolated elevations are based on the imported DTM points or
the elevation points that are added to the working region. The interpolation options are
selected in the Options/Interpolation command of the Tools menu. The following table
describes the interpolation method.

Option Description
Minimum number of DTM points to To calculate the interpolated elevation that will represent each
consider in the vicinity of each grid grid element, the algorithm analyzes at least the minimum
element number of points closest to the grid element node.
This radius defines a circle around each grid element node
based on a multiple of the grid elements side. Only DTM or
Radius of interpolation (proportional to assigned elevation points inside this radius are considered in
grid element size) the interpolation process. If no elevations point exists, the
circle is automatically enlarged until at least the minimum
number of points is found.
Inverse distance weighting formula This is “n” in the Inverse Distance Weighting Formula:
exponent

79
 NDTM
1
j =1
Zj
rijn
Z= NDTM
1
j =1 rijn

Where Z¯ is the interpolated grid element elevation, Zj is the

elevation of DTM point j, rij is the distance from the DTM point j
to center of grid element i and NDTM is the total number of
DTM points.

No filtering (High or Low Elevations) No filtering is performed on the elevation points.

For this option, the algorithm calculates a mean elevation using
all the DTM and assigned elevation points within the
Maximum elevation difference interpolation radius. All those points that exceed the selected
maximum elevation difference higher (or lower in the case of
(High or Low Elevations) Low Elevation filter) than the mean are discarded and the
mean elevation is recomputed and assigned to the grid
element.
The interpolation algorithm calculates the standard deviation
Standard deviation difference of DTM point elevations and then neglects all those points
whose elevations are higher (or lower in the case of the Low
(High or Low Elevations) Elevation filter) than the standard deviation to determine the
mean elevation to represent the grid element.

3.5.22 Interpolate Elevation Points from Multiple Elevation Files... (Grid Menu)

Use this command to interpolate and assign grid element elevations in the
computational domain. The interpolated elevations are based on the imported LIDAR ASCII file.
The interpolation options are selected in the Options/Interpolation command of the Tools menu.

Previous versions of the FLO-2D Grid Developer System (GDS) provided a method to interpolate
terrain elevations that required importing all points. The original procedure was not able to
process more than about 15 million points due to limitations on the development tools used to
create GDS. To circumvent this limitation and allow the processing of virtually unlimited
number of elevation point data, FLO-2D Software has developed a new method that does not
require importing the points and significantly extends the model interpolation capability. This
section of the manual summarizes the functionality of the new tool and provides simple
instructions how to use it.

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Data requirements

The new interpolation tool reads data files in any of the following data ASCII formats.

1. Space or comma delimited ASCII files, 3 data values per line. These files contain three
values on each line as follows:

X_Coordinate Y_Coordinate Elevation

Example of space delimited file:

369941.27 1183607.125 4654.71
369946.27 1183608.125 4654.50
369951.27 1183609.125 4654.29

Example of comma delimited file:

369941.27 , 1183607.125 , 4654.71
369946.27 , 1183608.125 , 4654.50
369951.27 , 1183609.125 , 4654.29

2. Space or comma delimited ASCII files, 5 data values per line. These files contain five
values on each line as follows:

ID X_Coordinate Y_Coordinate Elevation Value

For this file format only the point coordinates and elevation value is used. The first
column (ID) and last column (Value) are ignored.

Example of space delimited file:

X1 369941.27 1183607.125 4654.71 777
X2 369946.27 1183608.125 4654.50 717
X3 369951.27 1183609.125 4654.29 282

Example of comma delimited file:

X1,369941.27,1183607.125,4654.71,777
X2,369946.27,1183608.125,4654.50,717
X3,369951.27,1183609.125,4654.29, 282

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 3. List of elevation data files ELEVFILES.DAT:

This optional file contains the list of files including path and name. It needs to be
created by the user with any text editor program and facilitates handling hundreds or
thousands of files which may be difficult to select using a standard MS-Windows file
handling dialog box. Users may mix any of the supported formats, i.e., some files may
be 3 column space delimited, and others five columns comma delimited, etc. All files
must have.TXT extension.

Example of ELEVFILES.DAT file:

C:\Tracks\PROJECTS\FLO2D\2009\Goat2009\dtm1.TXT
C:\Tracks\PROJECTS\FLO2D\2009\Goat2009\dtm2.TXT
C:\Tracks\PROJECTS\FLO2D\2009\Goat2009\dtm 5 columns1.TXT
C:\Tracks\PROJECTS\FLO2D\2009\Goat2009\dtm 5 columns2.TXT

NOTE: All elevation ASCII files, regardless of their format must have extension .TXT.

User instructions

It is required that the user creates a FLO-2D grid and computational boundary prior to
interpolation. To interpolate use the Interpolate from Multiple Elevation Files… from the GDS
Grid menu.

That command will bring up a file selection dialog:

82
There are two options:

1. Users can select an ELEVFILES.DAT file, if available, and import the list of elevation files
in the format discussed in the previous section
or
2. Users can select the actual elevation data files. It is necessary to change the default file
extension to .TXT to select a group of ASCII elevation files.

For either option, clicking Open, displays the interpolation dialog box:

83
There are two LiDAR interpolation options to choose from. The default is Use all available
elevation points, which will compute the interpolated elevations using all points within each grid
element. Selecting the Use this % of elevation points will calculate the elevation using the
assigned subset of points on each grid element. The % is a global value based on the average
number of elevation points per grid element.

Interpolation method

If the user selects Use all available elevation points option, the GDS will compute the
grid element elevation using the elevation average of all points on the element. The GDS does
not import or display the elevation points, but instead reads one point at a time, determines the
grid element where the point is located and computes the average elevation. A similar
procedure is followed if the user selects a subset of points but GDS will calculate the elevation
using the indicated percentage of points on the element.

If no elevation points are found on an element or if the number of points is less than the
specified percentage, a tag value of -9999 will be assigned to that element. Also the element
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will be highlighted in black as shown:

If there is at least one element without a calculated elevation, a dialog box will be displayed
presenting three options to assign elevations to those grid elements:

The Interpolate from Nearest Grid Elements option will compute an elevation by assessing the
elevation data in the neighboring 8 grid elements and averaging the point elevations (-9999
values are not used). The algorithm initiates from the periphery of a cluster of non-interpolated
grid elements and proceeds to the interior of the cluster ensuring that at the end of the
procedure all grid elements will be assigned an elevation.

The user can assign a value to all -9999 grid elements using Assign this Value to all Non-
interpolated Grid Elements. The third option will leave all un-interpolated elements with the -
9999 tag. The user will need to double click and assign a desired elevation for each one.

Important NOTE: The GDS will initiate a FLO-2D model simulation if there are
elements with the -9999 tag. The new Non-Interpolated Grid Elements
command on the View menu turns on or off the black unassigned grid elements.

85
3.5.23 Compute Green-Ampt Parameters (Grid Menu)

This command is the starting point for the Green-Ampt parameter calculations. There
are several steps that have to be completed in a prescribed sequence. The final result is the
creation of the INFIL.DAT file containing the Green-Ampt infiltration parameters. To initiate this
procedure, you have to load a landuse shape file and a soil shape file and the corresponding soil
and landuse tables must be available. In addition, the FLO-2D grid system data files must exist.
The general procedure is as follows:
1. Load the land use shape file and table.
2. Load the soil shape file and table.
3. For each grid element compute hydraulic conductivity (XKSAT) average.
4. View the landuse and soil interface.

  Ai log ( XKSATi ) 
XKSAT = ALOG 
 A 
 GE 
Where:
XKSATi is obtained from the soil table and
Ai is subarea intercepted by the grid element from the 3rd column of the landuse
table and AGE the grid element area.
5. For each grid element, compute wetting front capillary suction PSIF according to the
following regressions as a function of XKSAT (Generated from Figure 4.3 of the Maricopa
County Drainage Design Manual, Volume I).
XKSAT (in/hr) PSIF (in)
0.01  XKSAT  1.2 PSIF=EXP(0.9813-0.439*Ln(XKSAT)+0.0051(Ln(xksat))2+0.0060(Ln(XKSAT))3)

86
6. For each grid element, compute volumetric soil moisture deficiency (DTHETA) according
to the following table. The specific table used for DTHETA depends on the saturation
field of the soil table (6th column).
Saturation = DRY

XKSAT (in/hr) DTHETA DRY

0.01  XKSAT  0.15 DTHETA =EXP(-0.2394 + 0.3616 Ln(XKSAT))

0.15  XKSAT  0.25 DTHETA =EXP(-1.4122 - 0.2614 Ln(XKSAT))

0.25  XKSAT  1.2 DTHETA = 0.35

Saturation = NORMAL

XKSAT (in/hr) DTHETA NORMAL

0.01  XKSAT  0.02 DTHETA = EXP(1.6094 + Ln(XKSAT))
0.02  XKSAT  0.04 DTHETA = EXP(-0.0142 + 0.5850 Ln(XKSAT))

0.04  XKSAT  0.1 DTHETA = 0.15

0.1  XKSAT  0.15 DTHETA = EXP(1.0038 + 1.2599 Ln(XKSAT))

0.15  XKSAT  0.4 DTHETA = 0.25

0.4  XKSAT  1.2 DTHETA = EXP(-1.2342 + 0.1660 Ln(XKSAT))

Saturation = WET or SATURATED

DTHETA = 0 for all XKSAT

7. Adjust XKSAT (computed in step No. 1) as a function of the vegetation cover VC from the
5th field of the landuse table when XSAT < 0.4 in/hr. This requires a computation of the
ratio the hydraulic conductivity for the vegetative cover to the bare ground hydraulic
conductivity (CK):
VCK − 10
CK = +1
90

XKSATC = XKSAT  Pk C k
k

Where:
Pk is the percentage of the area within the grid element corresponding to Ck and
XKSATC for each grid element is written to the INFIL.DAT file.
8. For each grid element compute the initial abstraction IABSTR:

87
   Ai ( IAi ) 
IABSTR =  
 A 
 GE 

Where:
IAi is the initial abstraction in the subarea Ai intercepted by the element and is
based on the 3rd column of the landuse table;
The intercepted subareas are computed using the land use shape file and
IABSTR is added to the INFIL.DAT file for each element.

Compute effective impervious area (%) for each grid element (RTIMP).

  Ai ( RTIMPS * EFF ) i 
RTIMP _ 1 =  
 AGE 
 

Where:
Ai is determined from the soil shape file;
AGE is the grid element area, effective impervious area EFF is obtained from the 5th
column of the soil table and
RIMPS is the percent rock outcrop obtained from the 4th column of the soil table.

  Ai ( RTIMPL) i 
RTIMP = RTIMP _ 1 +  
 AGE 
 

Where:
Ai is obtained from land use shape file and
AGE is the grid element area and RTIMPL is obtained from the 4th column of the
land use table.

The steps to complete Green-Ampt parameter computation are as follows. Open the Compute
Green Ampt Parameters Dialog box as it was shown above.
Load the land use shape file and table and select the field as shown:

88
Load the soil shape file and table and select the field as shown:

89
Click ‘Compute Green-Ampt’ to compute. This procedure may take several minutes depending
on the number of grid elements and the number of landuse polygons.

Next you can view the polygon intersections.

90
91
3.5.24 Compute Manning Coefficients… (Grid Menu)

92
 This command will compute the Manning’s n-values based on the information in a
roughness shape file. With a project open, first import a Manning’s n-value shape file using the
Import Shape File command on the File menu. When you click the Compute Manning
Coefficients command, the following dialog box appears:

Select the Manning shape file name (MANNING.SHP in this case) and the Manning coefficient
field (N_VALUE in this case) and click ‘OK’ to calculate Manning coefficients for each grid
element. Please note that the n-value data will be written to the FPNVALUE.DAT when the FLO-
2D files have been saved.

3.5.25 Compute SCS Curve Number … (Grid Menu)

This command will compute the Curve Number for each grid element based on
information contained in shape files.

The SCS runoff curve number loss method is a function of the total rainfall depth and the
empirical curve number parameter which ranges from 1 to 100 and is a function of hydrologic
soil type, land use and treatment, surface condition and antecedent moisture condition. The
method was developed on 24 hour hydrograph data on mild slope eastern rural watersheds in
the United States although runoff curve numbers have been calibrated or estimated for urban
areas, agricultural lands and semi-arid range lands. The SCS CN method does not account for
variation in rainfall intensity. The method was developed for predicting rainfall runoff from un-
gaged watersheds and its attractiveness lies in its simplicity. For large basins (especially semi-
arid basins), the method tends to over predict runoff using the standard curve number tables
which has unique or variable infiltration characteristics such as channels (Ponce, 1989).
Assigning Curve Numbers to Grid Elements
The general procedure is to assign curve numbers in the GDS and then run the FLO-2D model
with the infiltration component “turned on” and the infiltration switch set the SCS-CN option.
The following options are available to assign curve numbers to grid elements:
1. Select area using a polygon and assigning a CN number. In this case the CN's are
assumed known.
2. Import a CN polygon shape file and intercept the shape file polygons with the grid
elements and interpolate the weighted average computed CN’s. In this case the CN
numbers are known.
3. Import three polygon shape files for hydrologic soil group (HSG), land cover, and
impervious cover and the GDS will incept, interpolate and compute the CN’s for

93
 each grid element based on the Pima County procedure. In this case the CN are not
known

Determining CN’s Using the Pima County Method

GDS uses the Pima County Method to determine the CN’s using polygon shape files (SF) for soil,
land cover and impervious cover. Using this shape file data with the accompany attribute
tables, the polygon intersection with the grid element are determined to assign a hydrologic soil
group, percent cover density and impervious area for each grid element. Then the CN’s are
computed using various formulas depending on soil groups and the results are written to the
FLO-2D INFIL.DAT file. The following procedure is applied:
1. Import soil, land cover and impervious cover shape files to the GDS graphical project
environment.
2. Select the ID for the HSG from Soil shape file (landsoil.shp). The attribute may have
both soil and group and the percentage for each group (e.g. B31%C69%Desert Brush).
For each polygon the following attribute information is required:
a. Cover type (e.g. Desert Brush)
b. Soil group (e.g. B and C)
c. Percentage of soil groups (B=35% and C = 69%). If only the group is given (e.g.
B) then assume 100%.
3. Select ID for Cover density percentage from land cover shape file (land.shp).
4. Select ID for impervious areas from impervious cover shape file (imperv.shp)
5. Determine polygon intersections with each grid element for each SF (soil, land cover and
impervious cover) and determine the area weighed average of each variable:

Var =
 A Var
i i

AGE
Where:
Vari is the current variable from the shape file;
Ai is subarea intercepted by the grid element and
AGE the grid element area.
At the end of this process each grid element has been assigned:
a. HSG from Soil shape file.
b. Cover density percentage CD.
c. Impervious area.
6. Use formulas in Table 1 to determine CN using CD and the corresponding soil group (e.g.
CN = (CN soil B * (B%) + CN soil C * (C%) + %impervious* 99)/100) where: CN for
impervious area is 99 and areas for each soil group within a grid element need to be
adjusted depending on the impervious area: B% = B%(in SF) * (100-%impervious), etc.
7. Write CN results to the INFIL.DAT.

To determine CN’s, functional relationships were derived from Figure D-1 of the Pima County
94
Hydrology Procedures (Appendix D) reproduced here:

Figure D-1 of Pima County Hydrologic Procedures Relating CN to

Hydrologic Soil Cover and Density

These relationships are summarized in the following table.

95
 Table 1: Relationships for Evaluating the CN Based on Hydrologic Soil Cover and Cover Density
HSC Cover density (CD) Range Formula A B C
DESERT BUSH
D 0-50 CN = A * CD + B -0.08 93
C 0-50 CN = A * CD + B -0.08 90
B 0-50 CN = A * CD + B -0.07 84
HERBACEOUS
D 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.0875 93
C 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.1875 90
B 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.2625 84
MONTAIN BRUSH
D 0-80 CN = A * CD^2 + B * CD + C -0.0013 -0.1737 95
C 0-80 CN = A * CD^2 + B * CD + C -0.0014 -0.2942 90
B 0-80 CN = A * CD^2 + B * CD + C -0.0025 -0.3522 83
JUNIPER-GRASS
D 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.1125 93
C 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.34375 90.5
B 0-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.525 84

PONDEROSA PINE
C 0-10 CN = A * CD^2 + B * CD + C 0.08 -1.9 91
10-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.242857 82.42857
B 0-10 CN = A * CD^2 + B * CD + C 0.1 -2.4 84
10-80 CN = A * CD + B -0.3 73

Legend
HSC Hydrologic Soil Cover
CN Curve Number
CD Cover Density (%)
A, B Constants

For each soil group, a different formula was developed that calculates CN from the Cover
Density (CD). For straight line segments a linear equation was used to represent that soil cover.
For curved segments of the Excel curve fitting routines to determine the best-fit coefficients to
represent the soil cover. Errors were estimated for each formula. Table 2 summarizes the
validation and errors for each soil group set of formulas:

In the GDS Grid menu there is a new command titled: Compute SCS Curve Number. This has two
options: From Single Shape File… and From Multiple Shape Files.

96
Assignment of CN’s Based on a Single Shape File

Using this option, the GDS will determine the CN for each grid element based on a user provided
polygon shape file that contains a CN for each polygon. First import the shape file using the
Import Shape File… command in the GDS File menu.

Then use the Grid/Compute SCS Curve Number/From Single Shape File… command

In the dialog box, select the Curve Number Shape file (LANDSOIL.SHP in this example) and the
Curve Number Field (CurveNum in this example):

GDS will intersect the shape file polygons with the grid elements and determine the area
weighted average value for each grid element.

Computation of CN’s Base on a Multiple Shape Files

97
This option computes the CN’s based on the method explained in above sections. It is
necessary to import three polygon shape files for HSG, Land cover, and Impervious cover. After
these shape file have been imported using the Import Shape File… command in the GDS File
menu, then use the Grid/Compute SCS Curve Number/From Multiple Shape Files command

The following dialog box will be displayed:

1. Select the Hydrologic Soil Group Shape File and soil group field (landsoil.shp and
LandSoil respectively in this example).
2. Select the Land Cover Shape File and land cover attribute field (land.shp and cov_dens
respectively in this example).
3. Select the Impervious Area Shape File and impervious ID filed (Imperv.shp and IMP
respectively in this example).
4. Click OK.

GDS will intersect the shape files polygons with the grid elements and determine the area
weighted average value for each grid element, based on the derived formulas previously
discussed. Double-clicking on any grid element the new Infiltration dialog box will display the
CN calculated for that element. GDS will create the new INFIL.DAT data file with the new CN’s
for all grid elements.

FLO-2D Infiltration Computation Using the SCS Curve Number Method GDS will create the new
INFIL.DAT data file with the CN for all grid elements.

98
3.5.26 Compute Width and Area Reduction Factors … (Grid Menu)

This command will compute the ARF and WRF factors from a polygon shape file of the
buildings. The correction factor is a percentage and each ARF or WRF variable that is computed
will be reduced by a multiplicative percentage factor.

GDS ARF-WRF assignment from Shape Files

Loss of flood storage due to buildings and other urban features can be graphically assigned
through the Grid Developer System (GDS) using individual or polygon grid element selection. A
new GDS procedure permits the automatic assignment of Area Reduction Factors (ARF) and
Width Reduction Factors (WRF) from a polygon Shape File. The GDS will compute ARFs and
WRFs assuming the polygons fully block the grid element corresponding surface areas, but also
allows for global adjustments of either ARFs or WRFs based on user defined blockage
percentages (fractions). This document summarizes the functionality of the new tool and
provides instructions how to use it.

Data requirements

The ARF-WRF assignment tool requires the following data:

1. FLO-2D data files for a basic overland flood simulation and

2. A polygon Shape File where each polygon represents a building or obstruction to the flow

99
Computation Method

For each grid element (cell), the GDS finds all Shape File polygon intersections with the cell. The
following figure shows an example where three polygons (building polygons) intersect a cell
defining three areas A, B and C:

Area Reduction Factor

To calculate the Area Reduction Factor for this cell GDS performs the following operations:

Total_Intersected_Area = AreaA + AreaB + AreaC

Area_Reduction_Factor = Total_Intersected_Area /Cell_Area

Where AreaA is the intersected area of polygon A with the cell, and AreaB and AreaC are defined
accordingly. Cell_Area is the Grid Element area.

Width Reduction Factor

To calculate the Width Reduction Factor for this cell the GDS performs the following operations:

The grid element or cell is divided into 9 subcells. Each subcell is intersected with the polygons
on the cell. For example in the following configuration the SE WRF is computed based on the
yellow area of the polygon:

The shaded AreaSE is used to calculate the SE WRF as follows:

SE Width Reduction Factor = AreaSE / Area_of_SubCell

This algorithm accounts for the effect of width reduction factor even when the building or
polygon is not intersecting the actual SE element side.

100
3.5.27 Compute Limiting Froude Numbers … (Grid Menu)

This command will compute the limiting Froude number for each grid element based on
information contained in shape files.

3.5.28 Compute Cell Tolerances… (Grid Menu)

This command will compute cell tolerances for each selected grid element based on
information contained in shape files.

101
3.5.29 Compute Horton Variables… (Grid Menu)

This command will compute and assign Horton values to cells intersected by the
shapefile polygons based on the information contained in the variables selected in the
shapefiles.

3.5.30 Define Boundary Grid Elements/Element by Element (Grid Menu)

Use this command to mark or edit the grid elements that will constitute the
computational domain boundary. These boundary grid elements are not used in a FLO-2D
model flood simulation and are not included in either the FPLAIN.DAT, TOPO.DAT or
CADPTS.DAT files. To use the Define Boundary Grid Elements command:
1. Select the Define Boundary Grid Elements (Element by Element) command (Grid menu).
The mouse pointer changes to a cross.
2. Select the boundary grid elements. The grid element color will change to red.
3. Repeat step 2 as many times as needed to select or edit boundary grid elements.
To undo this operation simply click again on a previously marked grid element. To mark a group
102
of grid elements press the Shift key and the left mouse button and then drag the mouse pointer
over the desired grid elements. To deselect any group of grid elements, press the Ctrl key and
with the left mouse button depressed, drag the mouse pointer over the grid elements you want
to unmark.

3.5.31 Define Boundary Grid Elements/ Draw Line (Grid Menu)

The boundary grid elements can also be identified by drawing a line around the
computation domain. This command automates the process of defining the boundary elements.
After the boundary grid elements have been marked with the line, they can be edited with the
Define Boundary Grid Elements/Element by Element command.

Select this command after the grid system has been generated. When you click Draw Line, the
following dialog box appears:

Click ‘OK’ and proceed to draw a polyline with a series of left mouse button clicks. Complete the
polyline by doubling clicking on the final vertex and then click ‘Yes’ in the following dialog box to
generate the boundary elements.

103
3.5.32 Setup Computational Area/Click Inside Modeling Area (Grid Menu)

Use this command to select the computational domain. Once the flow domain is
outlined with a closed boundary, identify computational domain (potential flow surface).
1. Choose the Setup Computational Area command. The cursor changes to a cross.
2. Click any grid element inside the closed area of the computational domain. If the
computational domain area is closed, an acceptance message appears. If the boundary
elements do not completely enclose an area, you will be informed that the area is still
open. Additional boundary grid elements must then be marked to completely close the
computational domain.

If the boundary is edited, the computational domain can be re-generated by clicking on an

interior grid element within the domain using the Click Inside Modeling Area command. This
command will erase any interpolated data.

3.5.33 Setup Computational Area/ Define Modeling Boundary with Polygon (Grid Menu)
The computational domain can be defined by drawing a polygon to identify the
boundary cells.

104
3.5.34 Setup Computational Area/ Define Modeling Boundary from Shapefile…(Grid Menu)

A polygon from an imported shapefile can be used to define the boundary.

3.5.35 Create Grid Layer (Grid Menu)

This command will create the grid layer. When loading an existing FLO-2D project the
grid layer is not created. Some component editor functions require the grid layer and a message
will prompt the user to create this layer. Use this command to create the grid layer and
continue with grid element attribute editing.

105
3.6 Tools Menu Commands:

3.6.1 Options…/Interpolation… (Tools Menu)

This command defines the various options that control the interpolation process. When
command is selected, a dialog box appears to adjust the various interpolation parameters:

Dialog Box Options:

Option Description
To calculate an interpolated elevation from random DTM points that
Minimum number of DTM points to
will represent each grid element, the algorithm will use at least this
consider in the vicinity of each grid element
minimum number of DTM points closest to the grid element center.
The radius defines a circle around each grid element node that is
multiple of the element size. Only the DTM points inside the radius
Radius of interpolation (proportional to grid
are interpolated. If an insufficient number of elevation points are
element size)
within the circle, it is expanded until at least the minimum number of
points is found.

This is “n” in the Inverse Distance Weighting Formula:

NDTM
1
Inverse distance weighting formula Z
j =1
j
rijn
exponent Z= NDTM
1
j =1 rijn

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 Where Z¯ is the interpolated grid element elevation, Zj is the
elevation of DTM point j, rij is the distance from the DTM point j
to center of grid element i and NDTM is the total number of
DTM points.

No filtering (High or Low Elevations) No filtering is performed on the elevation points.

For this option, the algorithm calculates a mean elevation using all the
Maximum elevation difference DTM and any assigned elevation points within the interpolation
radius. All those points that exceed the selected maximum elevation
(For either High or Low Elevations) difference either higher or lower than the mean are discarded and the
mean elevation is recomputed and assigned to the grid element.
The algorithm first calculates the DTM point elevation standard
Standard deviation difference deviation and then neglects all those points whose elevations are
(For Either High or Low Elevations) higher (or lower) than the standard deviation when recalculating grid
element mean elevation.

3.6.2 Options…/Change Refresh Count (Tools Menu)

Use this command to speed up the redraw (refresh) rate for large projects. The refresh
rate specifies how often the screen is updated when drawing maps. If there are 1000 vertices to
draw and the refresh rate is 500, then the screen will be refreshed twice. A higher refresh rate
results in faster draw times while a lower rate results a smoother draw appearance. A dialog
box will appear prompting you to input a value for the refresh rate of the map or image:

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3.6.3 Options…/Directory Paths (Tools Menu)

This command may be used to edit the default directories used by the FLO-2D model.
The following dialog box appears:

Input the desired new directory paths and then click Apply.

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3.6.4 Measure Distance along Line (Tools Menu)

This tool computes the distance along a user-input polyline. After clicking on the
Measure Distance along Line Command, draw a polyline using the mouse and double click at the
end point of the polyline. GDS will display the length of the polyline as shown below:

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3.6.5 Compute Average Point Rainfall Depth (Tools Menu)

Use this command to compute Total Point Rainfall Depth (RTT in RAIN.DAT file). Note:
It is required that a RAIN.DAT file exist in the project folder. An ArcInfo ASCII grid file with
rainfall data must be previously imported to the GDS. The format of this file is the standard
ASCII grid with the values corresponding to rainfall depths. The points will be displayed on the
screen. To compute the average of the grid rainfall depth, draw a polygon and then only the
rainfall points inside the polygon will be used in the calculation.

The following figure displays a FLO-2D grid system boundary, the ASCII rainfall point depth grid
and the drawn polygon to compute that average rainfall depth over the FLO-2D grid system.

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To compute the average rainfall depth, choose the appropriate ArcInfo grid file from the file list
in the following dialog box:

The following message will identify the number of grid points used to compute the average
rainfall depth RTT value. The RAIN.DAT file RTT value will be updated.

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3.6.6 Interpolate Variable Rainfall (Tools Menu)

This command will interpolate temporal rainfall for each FLO-2D grid element, based on
spatially varied rainfall data in an ArcInfo ASCII grid file format. A file must be prepared that
contains the storm beginning and ending dates and times, time interval of the rainfall data files
(in minutes), number of reporting storm time intervals (one rainfall data file per interval) and
the file name and location. Each subsequent rainfall data file will list the rainfall depth at a rain
gage grid location (i.e. rainfall grid not the FLO-2D grid system) at that specific time. For
example:

15 72 6/12/2002 13:00 6/12/2002 14:00 60 2

C:\Models\FLO2D_2002\Maricopa2002\Raindata2\rain13h.dat
C:\Models\FLO2D_2002\Maricopa2002\Raindata2\rain14h.dat

In this case, the beginning date of the storm is 6/12/2002 and the storm beginning time is 13:00
hours. The storm ending date and time is 6/12/2002 and 14:00 hours. The time interval

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between rainfall data files is 60 minutes and there are two rain grid files in the list. The rainfall
file format is the standard ArcInfo ASCII grid with the values corresponding to rainfall depths.
Each file corresponds to a rainfall depth at a specific time for the rainfall grid system. The
rainfall grid file (e.g. NEXRAD data) is prepared outside the FLO-2D software system. This file
may be based on the rainfall gage distribution. This rainfall distribution over the rainfall grid has
to be transformed into spatially varied rainfall assigned to grid elements in the FLO-2D grid
system. This is accomplished using the variable rainfall interpolation algorithm in the GDS
program. Once the ArcInfo ASCII file is read, the following dialog box permits adjustment of
rainfall grid interpolation parameters.

Option Description

Minimum number of rain grid points to To calculate the interpolated rainfall depth for each FLO-2D
consider in the vicinity of each grid grid element, the algorithm uses at least this minimum number
element. of points closest to the grid element.

This radius defines a circle around each grid element based on

a multiple of the grid elements size. Only rainfall grid points
Radius of interpolation (proportional to inside this radius are considered in the interpolation process. If
grid element size). the number of rainfall grid points is insufficient, then the circle
is automatically enlarged until at least the minimum number of
points is found.

After the interpolation is complete, choose the RAINCELL.DAT file location to save results. The
RAINCELL.DAT file is then used by the FLO-2D model to simulate the rainstorm. The IREALRAIN
variable switch in the FLO-2D RAIN.DAT file has to be set to 1 ‘on’ to simulate a real-time storm
using the RAINCELL.DAT file.

The format of the RAINCELL.DAT is as follows:

Line 1: Beginning date and time, ending date and time, time interval (in minutes) and
number of time intervals.
Line 2: Grid element number and the total rainfall depth at that time. This line is repeated
for each FLO-2D grid element.

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Successive rainfall data for the entire grid system follows for the number of time-interval
groups. For the example above, there would be two sets of rainfall data for the entire grid
system.
60 2 6/12/2002 1:00:00 PM 6/12/2002 2:00:00 PM
1 1.8538
2 1.8537
. .
1234 2.272
1235 2.2709
1 1.4794
2 1.4791
. .
1234 1.6294
1235 1.6286
In this above example the beginning date is 6/12/2002 the beginning time 1:00 PM, the ending
date 6/12/2002 and the ending time 2:00 PM. The time interval between files is 60 minutes,
there are two time intervals and 1235 grid elements. The rainfall depth for grid element
number 1 at time 1:00 PM is 1.8538 in. Successive grid element rainfall depths follow. For the
second time interval, the rainfall depth for the first grid element is 1.4794 in and the rest of the
grid elements follow. If the grid system has been prepared in International Units (meters), then
the rainfall data file should be prepared in mm.

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3.6.7 Levee Express Editor (Tools Menu)

The Levee Express Editor facilitates assigning levee attributes for individual grid
elements.

You can use the Levee Express Editor to create or edit a levee. This tool will help you to assign
levee crest elevations directly from the DTM point data base, if the DTM points are dense
enough to represent the levee crest. If a number of DTM points fall on the top of the levee, the
average of the five highest DTM points can be used to represent the levee crest.

When you click this command or on the toolbar icon for an existing levee the following
floating dialog appears:

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When you double click a grid element that has a levee, the dialog will show the Maximum Point
elevation of the DTM points inside the element, the average of the highest 5 DTM points in the
element and the surrounding grid element elevations. Use the text boxes and the Assign to
Element button to assign the levee crest elevations. Compare the Maximum Point Elevation
(Max. Pt. Elev.) and the Average of the Five Highest Points (Ave. High (5) Pts.) with the upstream
and downstream assigned levee crest elevations to assign the levee crest elevation for the given
grid element.

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3.6.8 Floating Variables Express Editor (Tools Menu)

This command opens the Floating Variables Express Editor that allows interactive editing
of Area and Width Reduction Factors (ARF,WRF), Infiltration parameters and Multiple Channel
Data. While the dialog remains open, the user can double click any element so that the data
corresponding to the active tab will be loaded and can be edited.

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3.6.9 Create Channel Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu)

This command creates the channel network in an existing FLO-2D grid system using a
polyline as described below:
1. On the Tool menu click Create Channel Segment with a Polyline
2. The mouse pointer changes to a cross.
3. Click the first (upstream) grid element of the segment and then just draw a polyline
using clicks. Use a background image to locate the channel with respect to the grid
system. Channel elements are joined by arrows to visualize the channel location:

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Click apply to accept the new channel segment.

To edit channel geometry parameters, click a channel segment. A submenu appears with
several options:

Select Edit Channel Segment Parameters and to display the Channel Segment dialog box:

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The channel data is governed by the following rules (refer to the CHAN.DAT file description in
the FLO-2D Data Input Manual for more detailed discussion):
1. Maximum Froude Number: Set the channel roughness to a reasonable n-value and then
set the FROUDC variable to an appropriate value (e.g. 0.95 to ensure subcritical flow).
FLO-2D will adjust the roughness values according to the limiting Froude number
criteria.
2. Roughness adjustment coefficient: This coefficient is used for depth variable Manning’s
n-values. This value can range from 0.00 to 0.4.
3. Compute scour/deposition with sediment transport routine: This is a check box to
compute sediment transport in the channel segment. Checked the box if sediment
transport is to be computed. In addition, ISED must be turned “On” in CONT.DAT.
4. Initial flow depth: When the initial flow depth for all channel nodes is > 0, an initial
depth is specified for all the channel elements in that segment. Checking the Initial Flow
check box requires assigning starting and ending water surface elevations
for the channel segment beginning with element 1st node and ending with element last
node.

Interpolated water surface elevations are assigned to the channel elements in that
segment based on the channel length.
5. Each row in the “Channel Geometry” table corresponds to a channel grid element.
6. The “Geometry Regression Relationships” data table is enabled only when a variable
geometry channel element of type “V” is selected in the “Channel Geometry” table.
7. Depending on the channel element data base some columns may be disabled.
8. The editing of channel element data in each segment is achieved by pressing the “Edit”
button. Interact with the table in the following dialog window to edit the channel
element data (node, extension direction, roughness and length):

Additional channel data instruction comments can be found in the CHAN.DAT file descriptions.
A few comments are highlighted here:
• Dividing the channel into segments may simplify reviewing the results. Organize the
channel segments and elements from upstream to downstream with the inflow grid
element being the first grid element in the file or segment.
• The key to channel routing is to balance the relationship between the slope, flow area
and roughness. Channel routing is more stable if surveyed cross section data is used.
Review the PROFILES program instructions for cross section and channel bed slope
interpolation.
• If channel geometry is being simulated with regression relationships (SHAPE = ‘V’), then
the area (A) versus depth (d) power relationships (A = adb) coefficients (a) and
exponents (b) must be specified. Similar relationships are required for wetted
perimeter and top width. If two power relationships are used to represent a natural

121
 cross section, then the maximum depth (Depth for 2nd relationship variable) to which
the first relationship applies must be specified. Some rules for applying the second
variable area channel geometry relationships follow:
i. The second regression applies when the flow depth is greater than Depth
for 2nd relationship variable, but does not include the lower flow area. The
two variable area cross section relationships are unique and separate. The
total cross section flow area is the sum of the lower flow and upper (second
relationship) flow areas. The channel top width is computed directly from
the second relationship. The area, wetted perimeter and top width are
evaluated using the upper flow depth given by: (total depth - Depth for 2nd
relationship variable). To analyze the upper channel geometry using the
XSEC program, only the cross section coordinates above the Depth for 2nd
relationship variable are used.
ii. Channel geometry relationships apply only to flow depths that are less than
the channel depth (lower than the top of bank). When the flow depth
exceeds the top of bank, then the channel geometry above bank is
evaluated as a rectangle.
iii. Abrupt transitions between contiguous channel elements should be avoided
unless they actually exist.
iv. A preprocessor program XSEC is available in the FLO-2D subdirectory to
determine the regression coefficient and exponents.
• Channel elements that are contiguous but do not share discharge (e.g. parallel
channels) must be identified with the NOFLO1 and NOFLO2 variables. List each
pair of contiguous channel elements only once.
• Channel elements that will not share discharge will the floodplain have to be
identified by the NOEXCHANGE parameter.
• To improve the timing of the floodwave progress through the system, a depth variable
roughness can be assigned on a reach basis. The basic equation for the channel element
roughness nd as function of flow depth is:
nd = nb rc e-(r2 depth/dmax)
where:
nb = bankfull discharge roughness
depth = flow depth
dmax = bankfull flow depth
r2 = roughness adjustment coefficient prescribed by the user (range: 0. to 0.4)
rc = 1./e-r2
This equation prescribes that the variable depth channel roughness is equal to the
bankfull roughness at bankfull discharge. If the user assigns a roughness adjustment
coefficient r2 for a given reach, the roughness will increase with a decrease in flow
depth. A higher coefficient increases the roughness.

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To modify the channel elements in the channel segment, select the Modify Channel Segment
Command:

To modify the channel, click and drag the mouse from the last element in the channel segment.
To delete an entire selected channel segment, select the Delete Channel Segment command:

If the channel segment has assigned inflow hydrographs the following warning will appear:

If you select Yes, you will need to click the inflow node(s) that was assigned to the segment and
reassigned to the floodplain instead.

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Click to reverse the channel direction.

100% zoom

Pan Prev. Zoom x, y Coord.

Add Point
Edit Channel
Activate Zoom

Realign left bank channel elements by clicking and dragging the blue dots. The zoom, pan and
edit features are also available with this tool.
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To Realign the right bank elements use the Realign Extensions tool. It has the same capabilities
as the realign channel tool.

To see a plot of the cross section associated with each channel element. Click the Plot Cross
Section option.

125
Use this tool to assign cross sections to specified channel elements. The prev and next button is
used to select the channel element and the drop down box is used to select the cross section.

Click 3-D Plot to see a 3-D graphic of the channel segment. This tool helps with cross section
data quality control.

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Click Clear Problematic Right Banks to delete right bank assignments that will cause an error in
the model. The banks must be reassigned.

3.6.10 Select Channel Confluences (Tools Menu)

Instead of assigning those channel elements that are contiguous but do not share
discharge (NOFLOC’s), FLO-2D Pro version model assigns channel connections that share
discharge from upstream to downstream.
Channel confluences are defined to share flow by assigning connections between cells and the
selection of those connections should observe the following general rules:
• Confluences on a given channel element will be possible as an upstream, downstream
or tributary/split connection
• A tributary/split channel element should be the last channel element listed on the
particular channel segment and must be contiguous to the main channel. In cannot be
separated by one or more floodplain elements from the main channel.
• The tributary element can also be contiguous to either a left or right bank main channel
element, if that is the case the connection will be defined between the tributary/split
channel element and the main channel right bank element (respectively). FLO-2D
model will find the left bank channel element at model runtime.

Connections for the channel confluences can be assigned opening the following dialog box that
will list Tributary/Split Channel data entry field column and Main Channel data entry field
column:

127
User can select, add, delete or modify channel confluence elements using the options available
on the following dialog:

128
3.6.11 Create a Cross Section (Tools Menu)

Use this tool to cut a cross section from elevation data. Elevation data must be loaded.
Click Tools/Channels/Create a Cross Section. Create an elevation layer if necessary and then
click and draw a line to define a cross section.

Then assign the cross section to the N – natural channel. The red arrows point out the cross
section as seen by the small black dotted line. The green arrow shows the channel element the
cross section is assigned to. Repeat the process along the channel where ever a cross section is
needed. Depending on the data, the cross sections might need adjustments.

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The following dialog allows the user to select a cross section number and name, determine the
number of station / elevation pairs and to assign the write-to text file.

All data is appended to the xsec.dat file. Start with a blank xsec.dat file.

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3.6.12 Assign a HEC-RAS Cross Section to a Channel Element (Tools Menu)

Use the File menu to import a HEC-RAS cross section. To manually assign a HEC-RAS
cross section to a channel element, select the tool menu feature. Then select a HEC-RAS cross
section and a channel element. Repeat the process until complete.

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3.6.13 Auto Assign HEC-RAS Cross Section to Channel Elements (Tools Menu)

This feature will automatically assign the cross sections from HEC-RAS to the FLO-2D
Channel.

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3.6.14 Convert HEC-RAS Xsec to FLO-2D (Tools Menu)

This feature will read cross section data available in HEC-RAS format, convert it to FLO-
2D format and save it to XSEC.DAT files. The GDS reads the HEC-RAS file, locates the cross
section key words, extracts the x, y, z data from each cross section and reformat the cross
section data for the XSEC.DAT file. When this process is completed, another file dialog box
appears to let the user select the location of the output XSEC.DAT file.

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3.6.15 Convert HEC-RAS Channels to FLO-2D Channel Segments (Tools Menu)

This feature will convert the HEC-RAS reaches to FLO-2D channel segments.

134
3.6.16 Delete HEC-RAS Channels (Tools Menu)

This feature is used to delete HEC-RAS channel from the grid system.

135
3.6.17 Delete HEC-RAS Cross Sections (Tools Menu)

Use this option to delete HEC-RAS cross sections that are not needed.

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3.6.18 Create Street Segment (Tools Menu)

This command enables the creation of the streets in an existing FLO-2D grid system
using point and click tools as described below:
1. On the Tool menu click Create Street Segment.
2. The mouse pointer changes to a cross.
3. To add a new grid element to the street, click first grid element of the street segment.
Then while holding the left mouse button down, the system selects street elements as
the user moves over the grid system. A background map or aerial photograph image
can be used to locate the streets. The streets are identified by green elements and with
a solid continuous line when been generated in the GDS.

137
 As the street development progresses from one grid element to the next, only the eight
adjacent elements can be accessed (see above figure). When the mouse pointer is
located near the center of the next element to be selected, a solid line arrow will appear
to indicate that the element will be added to the street. The user can backup the
pointer over the segment to unselect street grid elements. No mouse clicks are
necessary, it is only necessary to move the mouse pointer over the desired elements.
To finish the street element selection, the user double-clicks with the left mouse button.

The street data assignment is not complete until the user assigns the street flow direction,
street widths and n-values in the street editor dialog box. When the user clicks on an existing
street, the street line will be colored in red and the following options appear:

To edit the street data, select Edit Street Parameters to display the Street Parameters dialog
box:

The Street Parameter dialog box can also be accessed by left mouse button click a grid element
with streets and clicking on the Street Element button. The street flow directions in the lower
left of the dialog box are required data and must be assigned after completing the Create Street
Option above (Task 3 above). Instructions for entering street follow:
1. Global n-value for street flow - Global n-value that is assigned to all the street elements.

138
 2. Maximum Street Froude number - When the computed Froude number for the street
flow exceeds this limiting street Froude number, the n-value is increased by 0.001 for
that street element.
3. Global street width - Global assignment of street width (ft or m) for all street elements.
This street width is superseded by individual street widths if the individual street width
is greater than zero (see Flow direction from center of node and street width check
boxes).
4. Global curb height - Global street curb height (ft or m). If the street curb height is
exceeded by the flow depth, overland flow will result in the grid element containing the
street. This value is used to assign a street curb height globally to all street elements.
5. Inflow hydrograph will enter the streets rather than floodplain node - Check this box to
have the inflow hydrograph enter the street rather than the floodplain portion of the
grid element.
6. Curb height - Optional curb height (ft or m) for an individual street element that
supersedes the global curb height.
7. Elevation - Optional individual street element elevation (ft or m). This elevation will
supersede the floodplain grid element elevation. If this value is zero, the model will
assign the street elevation as grid element floodplain elevation minus the curb height.
8. N-value - Optional street n-value for the individual street segments within a given grid
element. This value supersedes the Global n-value for street flow. If individual street n-
value is zero, the global value will be assigned to the grid element street segment.
9. Street name - Character name of the street. Up to 15 characters can be used. The
street name is not used in the FLO-2D model.
10. Flow direction from center of node and street width - Streets emanate from the center
of the grid element in a star pattern of eight potential flow directions as show below.

When a given flow direction box is checked, a text box appears direct below the flow direction
check box to input the optional grid element street width for that street flow direction ISTDIR:

By setting the text box to zero, the Global street width will be assigned to that street segment.

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Additional street data instruction comments can be found in the STREET.DAT file descriptions
later in the manual. A few comments are highlighted here.
• Drawing the street outline with the Create Street Option does not complete the data
assignment. You must click the street and add the global street parameters, street flow
directions and individual street element parameters if they are different from the global
parameters.
• The street depth, width and n-values can be assigned globally for all the street grid
elements. The street depth, width and elevation can also be assigned for individual grid
elements in the street local data form by setting these values greater than zero.
• If the street elevation is different from the representative grid elevation assigned in the
FPLAIN.DAT file, it should be specified in the Street Local Form otherwise the street
elevation will be the floodplain elevation minus the curb height. These elevations are
then used to determine the street slope.
• The street width should be less than the side of the grid element. The overall floodplain
surface area of the grid minus the streets surface area must be at least 5% of the
original surface area (grid element width squared). If the street surface area consumes
the entire grid element surface area, consider leaving out the smaller, less significant
streets, reducing the street widths or transferring one street to a neighboring grid
element.
The street is assumed to extend from the center of the grid element to the grid element
boundary in the eight flow directions. A street that crosses the entire grid element is assigned
two street sections and directions.

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3.6.19 Create Street Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu)

With this command you can create a street segment using simple mouse point and
clicks. First click Create Street Segment with a Polyline command; the cursor will change to a
cross and as you click the mouse, the street segment will be progressively created. To complete
the segment, double-click.

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3.6.20 Create Levee Segment with a Polyline (Tools Menu)

With this command you can create a levee segment using simple mouse point and
clicks. First click Create Levee Segment with a Polyline command; the cursor will change to a
cross and as you click the mouse, the levee segment will be progressively created. To complete
the segment, double-click.

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3.6.21 Create Detention Basin (Tools Menu)
This command will help to design detention basins for flood mitigation. The detention
basin is created by adjusting the grid element topography to reflect the detention basin
depression. No special FLO-2D components or data are necessary to utilize the detention basin
feature.

The procedure to create a detention basin depression in the grid system topography is as
follows:
1. The user selects the Create Detention Basin Command.
2. The system displays the following message:

143
 3. The user draws the polygon that defines the detention basin perimeter. The polygon is
closed by double clicking on the last vertex of the polygon.
4. The GDS will then request for the detention basin volume (ft3 or m3):

5. Input the desired volume and click ‘OK’. The system will subtract a uniform depth
(Detention basin height) from all the elements included in the detention basin polygon
until the detention basin volume is matched. The floodplain element elevations are
lowered to account for the Detention basin volume.

If the user clicks on the detention basin polygons, the following menu appears:

When you click View Detention Basin the following message is displayed:

144
3.6.22 Mud and Sediment Transport (Tools Menu)

This command allows entering mud flow or sediment transport data using the following
dialog box.

145
146
3.6.23 Evaporation (Tools Menu)

147
3.6.24 MODFLO-2D Simulation (Tools Menu)

This command allows entering data to simulate surface and groundwater flow using the
MODFLOW integration. There following tabbed dialog box provides input fields for a subset of
MODFLOW data. A separate manual explain in full the capabilities of the FLO-2D MODFLOW link,
also called MODFLO-2D.

148
3.6.25 Hydraulic Structures (Tools Menu)

The Hydraulic Structures command allows entering data required to simulate culverts,
bridges and any other hydraulic structure that can be represented with a rating table or rating
curve.

149
3.6.26 Rain (Tools Menu)

The Rain command allows entering data to simulate rainfall input over the FLO-2D grid.

150
3.6.27 Breach (Tools Menu)

This command is used to enter levee breach data for the computed breach option.

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Global Breach Data

Global breach data is used to input the dam or levee geometry and soil data in order to simulate
an NWS Breach erosion condition. The model uses the global data along points of a levee or
dam that meet a specific depth or time to breach criteria.

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Individual Breach Data

Individual breach data is used to input the dam or levee geometry and soil data in order to
simulate an NWS Breach erosion condition at a predetermined location. The model uses the
breach data assigned to a specific location to breach at a specified elevation or time.

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Levee Fragility Curve Data

Levee fragility curves are used to determine a levee breach location based on data entered
spatially along a levee profile. The fragility data is based on the existing levee condition and will
activate a failure via erosional breach or prescribed failure once a certain depth criteria is met.

154
3.6.28 Drainage Basin Tools (Tools Menu)

155
156
157
158
3.6.29 Create Floodplain Cross Sections (Tools Menu)

This command will enable selection of grid elements for a floodplain cross section so
that the FLO-2D model will calculate a hydrograph and compile hydraulic results for the flow
across the cross section. You can create the cross section in an existing FLO-2D grid using point
and click tools as described below:
1. On the Tool menu click Create Floodplain Cross Sections.
2. The mouse pointer changes to a cross.
3. Locate and position the mouse over the first grid element in a line of grid elements that
will constitute the cross section. Click his first grid element of the cross section and then
while holding the left mouse button down select the cross section grid elements as you
move the mouse over the grid system. Cross section elements are joined by lines to
visualize the cross section location. As the cross section development progresses from
one element to the next, only the eight adjacent elements can be accessed. When the
mouse pointer is near the center of the next element to be selected, a solid arrow
appears to indicate that that element is the next one in the segment. The user can
backup the pointer over the segment to unselect channel grid elements. No clicks are
necessary, the users only needs to sweep the pointer over the desired elements. The
cross section is completed when the user double-clicks with the left mouse button.

159
 4. Cross sections must be consists of grid elements in a continuous straight line and can
only be in the four directions as indicated below:

To edit the floodplain cross section grid elements, click a cross section. A short-cut menu
appears with three options as shown:

Select Edit Floodplain Cross Section to display the floodplain cross section dialog box:

In the left data table are the grid elements that form the cross section. In the right data table of
the dialog box, select the direction for discharge calculation. The cross section discharge will be
computed for the selected flow direction that is perpendicular to the line of cross section grid
elements. The model will create three output files:
CROSSQ.OUT - This file contains the element grid hydrographs for each of the floodplain
elements in the cross section. The time and discharge are listed for each output interval.

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 CROSSMAX.OUT - This file lists the maximum discharge, maximum flow depth and time of
occurrence for each grid element specified in the cross section analysis.
HYCROSS.OUT - The output interval time, top width, depth, velocity and discharge are listed
for each cross section. The discharge passing the cross section of grid elements is compiled
as a hydrograph. The cross section maximum discharge and the individual grid elements are
written to the CROSSMAX.OUT file.
3.6.30 Surface Elevations Profile (Tools Menu)

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3.6.31 Levee Profile (Tools Menu)

This tool will display levee crest elevation profile of a selected levee segment along with
the corresponding grid element ground elevations. To activate this tool, click the command
Levee Profile and then click one of the grid elements that contain a levee. GDS will determine
the continuity of the levee and change the levee color to dark green to identify the selected
elements as shown in the figure below.

Then GDS will display the levee profile as shown in the following plot:

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Using this Formatting Menu on the tool bar, the GDS will display the following dialog box so that
you can customize the plot including the minimum and maximum elevations (Y-axis), legend
position and angle of labels.

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3.6.32 Street Profile (Tools Menu)

This command will create a street and ground elevation profile. To access this tool, click
the Street Profile Command and click any street element. The GDS will display the street profile
as shown:

Similar to the Levee Profile Command, use the Formatting command on the tool bar to display
the following dialog box to customize the plot including the minimum and maximum elevations
(Y-axis), Legend position and angle of labels.

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3.6.33 Create Storage Volume Rating Tables (Tools Menu)
This tool will create storage volume rating tables to keep watershed depression storage
defined by the DTM points data. The depression storage accuracy can be retained by generating
a depth-volume storage rating table for each selected grid element.

To activate this tool, click the command Create Storage Volume Rating Tables and then click on
Compute Rating Curves. GDS will calculate the rating tables and generate an outrc.dat file that
contains the potential storage for each cell.

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3.6.34 Storm Drain (Tools Menu)
FLO-2D will compute the surface water depth at prescribed grid elements with storm
drains and will compute the discharge inflow to the storm drain based input storm drain
geometry. The Storm Drain model 5.1 will then compute the pipe network flows and potential
return flow to the surface water. To activate this tool, click the command Storm Drain. GDS will
allow you to enter, modify and view the Inlets as well as run EPA SWMM GUI 5.0 using the
following dialogs:

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 This command will open the EPA SWMM 5.0 program. Create a .inp file and save it to
the project folder. Then use the Control Panel to load make the SWMMFLO.DAT file.

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 3.6.34.1 Run Storm Drain GUI… (Tools Menu/Storm Drain)

This option runs the EPA SWMM GUI 5.0. It the link is not working copy the
Epaswmm5.exe file from the EPA SWMM 5.0 folder to the FLO-2D Pro folder.

3.6.34.2 View Storm Drain Inlets Dialog (Tools Menu)

This option loads the contents of the SWMMFLO.DAT file to be edited. The inlets can be edited
here and the max depths can be edited here or in the swmm.inp.

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3.6.34.3 View Outfall Nodes Dialog (Tools Menu/Storm Drain)

This option generates the data written to the SWMMOUTF.DAT file.

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 3.6.34.4 Storm Drain Display Option (Tools Menu/Storm Drain)

These options define how the storm drain system appears on the GDS display window.
3.6.34.5 Storm Drain Discharge Display (Tools Menu/Storm Drain)

This option allows the user to review the inlet discharge hydrographs or print them to
*.jpg image files.

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3.6.34.6 Grade Lines (Tools Menu/Storm Drain)

This option allows the user to review the grade lines for the conduits.

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4.7 Contents (Help Menu)

The Help Contents Command accesses a .pdf version of this manual. The FLO-2D
Software links to the website and the About… opens the welcome message. The welcome
message shows the activation status and alerts a user if the subscription needs to be renewed.

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