WWRC 88-20
Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Hydrologic Model Library at the Wyoming Water Research Center
Abstract
The Wyoming Water Development Commission (WWDC) recognized
deficiencies in the present system of hydrologic modeling used by
state agencies and subsequently funded a study to look at the
feasibility of establishing a model library. This study was
intended to develop/research alternatives to the current state
system of water resource modeling. The results of this study
indicate that there are numerous models available to perform
studies required by the WWDC and other state agencies in the
Water Resources area. Analysis into the standardization of
models for future water resources (hydrologic) studies found that
the following items were important:
- The development and continued updating of a list of all
models the State currently possesses.
- The extent and availability of use and usefulness of
each model (software copyrights).
- The availability of documentation for each model listed.
- The establishing of criteria for use, capabilities, and
limitations of each model.
The identification of specific needs in regards to
hydrologic modeling within each state department/office is still
needed. In order to accomplish the above, it will be necessary
for all state agencies to acquire computer equipment compatible
with the models found to be functional and of value to one or
more state agencies.
Economic considerations encourage the establishment of more
cost-effective alternative models to the present system being
used by the WWDC, other state agencies; and departments within
the University of Wyoming. Increasingly more costly software
requires the users of software at the state level to utilize the
more desirable water resources models.
Before further analysis into the standardization of models
for future water resources (hydrologic) studies is performed, the
items listed in this section are recommended. First, an updated
list of models currently owned or used by the state should be
developed in greater detail than was accomplished by the methods
used in this study. This survey would decrease the potential of
duplication and increase the inquiry into which models are used.
Second, the extent of use and usefulness of each model should be
analyzed to better select those models to be standardized. Third,
the listing of available documentation for each model will better
assess the establishing of criteria for use, capabilities, and
limitations of each model owned. This in turn will allow for the
selection of appropriate models to be standardized and
researched. Next, the identification of specific needs of each
state agency is necessary to adequately meet the needs of all
users. Furthermore, it is also recommended that microcomputer
systems compatible for use with the models deemed most valuable
to the WWDC and other state agencies be purchased by the state
agencies so that the models can be utilized.
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