Topobathymetric Estimation for 2D Hydraulic Models

Follum Hydrologic Solutions (FHS) completed a two-year research and development project for the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) to advance methods for generating topobathymetric datasets suitable for advanced two-dimensional (2D) hydraulic models. The project addressed a persistent challenge in hydraulic modeling: the lack of reliable river bathymetry within commonly available elevation datasets. Building on prior work with the SPT–AutoRoute–FloodSpreader framework, FHS developed preprocessing tools and workflows that transform digital elevation models into hydraulically consistent topobathymetric surfaces using readily available baseflow streamflow data. Central to this effort was the development of the DEM_Cleaner tool and enhancements to the Automated Rating Curve (ARC) framework, which together correct non-physical water surface artifacts and estimate realistic channel bathymetry.