MODULE 1:ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A HYDROLOGICAL

INFORMATION SYSTEM

Mark Heggli, Meteorologist/HydrologistExpert Real-time Hydrology Information Systems

Innovative Hydrology, Inc.Consultant to the World Bank

HP-II Workshop on Real-time Hydrological Information Systems

Examples that refer to products are intended for illustrative purposes only, and do not imply an

endorsement or recommendation of any particular product

Modernized HIS Benefits

DSS/Forecasting

Research Ground Truth

Soils

Canals

Wetlands

•••

•••

Rivers

Modeling VerificationDissemination

Stakeholders

Five Essential Elements of a Hydrological Information System

Network Design

TechnologyQuality ManagementSystem

Data ManagementTraining

Network Design• A complete network design addresses the following

questions that pertain to the collection of hydrological data• What hydrological variables need to be observed?• Where do hydrological observations need to be observed?• What is the duration of the observation program?• How accurate should the observations be?

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

Network Design: Key Principles• Solutions are matched to site characteristics• Sustainability

• Technology• Economy

• Account for physiographic characteristics• Account for hydrometeorological factors that drive

hydrology• Consider and include wide range of measurements used

for decision making• Cooperation and collaboration building blocks

Sample Design Analysis

Data Center

Telecommunications

Data Logger /Sensor

Technology Related Components

Technology: Factors when considering technology• Data Loggers, Sensors &

Telecommunications• Reliability• Accuracy considering the

deployed setting• Cost of site access• Sensitivity & Precision• Product Support (technical

inquiries, repairs)• Familiarity (using like

technology as much as possible)

• Maintenance• Training

Press the play button on the picture above for a 15 minute video by Bagade D.A, Executive Engineer of the Basin Simulation Division in Pune. Mr. Bagade talks about experiences and factors to consider when determining proper technology in HIS

Technology: Factors when considering technology• Data Center

• System Reliability• Operational costs (software licenses)• Well recognized solutions• Distributive Computing Approach

• Avoid all or nothing solutions• Isolate Data Collection/Archiving• Be prepared to control access and use

• Redundant Systems (RAID, Dual Power Supplies, Replication)• Product Support (technical inquiries, user groups)• Training

Technology: Benefits from careful selection of technology• Reliability Reduces maintenance• Long life expectancy (15 years for data loggers)• Stability (accuracy and precision) Reduces need

for calibration• Product Support (technical inquiries, repairs)• Familiarity (using like technology as much as possible)• Training

Data Management: Benefits from a sound data management system• Automated data collection• Data will be secure• Data will be easily accessible• System will be expandable• Easy migration path• Web accessible• Control of resources to assure priority user access

Data Management: Key Principles• Automatic Data Collection• Automatic Data Dissemination• Redundancy of both hardware and software systems

Training: Benefits from a comprehensive training program• New employees can be immediately trained• Existing employees can have review• Training can be taken at any time and without incurring

high recurring costs• Improves confidence• Improves controls over operation• Allows for continual professional development• Increases productivity and efficiency• Ensures prompt and effective action on faults

Training: Key Principles

• Multi-media training so that training can occur at the choosing of the trainee/manager

• No travel required• No expensive consultancy or factory training• Regular updates to training material to be provided by

local experts

Quality Management System: Benefits from a quality management system• Optimizes techniques• Improves confidence• Improves controls over operation• Allows for continual process improvement• Increases productivity and efficiency• Ensures prompt and effective action on faults• Clarifies working structure

Quality Management System: Benefits from a quality management system• Improves teamwork and communication• Enhances image and quality awareness within agency• Ensures availability of proper documentation• Enables quick start-up time• Provides systematic training to staff• Helps in justifying system• Provides assurance of effective management (Directors,

Members, Secretary, etc.)

Quality Management System: Key Principles• Quality is built into the data/observation and information

production process rather than relying on post-production checks

• Responsibilities for each player in the process are clearly defined and properly communicated

• Existence of an efficient results-focused control process (too many controls results in no control)

• Stakeholder involvement in performance assessment• Continuous evolution of the Quality Management System

Design Specifics

• Number of stations• Type of instrumentation• Type of telemetry• Data collection, alarms, warning• Decision support

Which of the following is an Essential Element of an Effective HIS?

a. Network Design

b. Technology

c. A large Staff

d. Data Management

e. Quality Management System

What are the Benefits of a Well Thought Out Network Design?

a. Goal is Met

b. Ability to Scale-up or Add to Network

c. Cost Effective in the Out Years

d. Long Lifespan

e. Other

End of Module 1