SPatial And Time Series Information Modelling (SPATSIM)

Thokozani Mbhele

Model developed by D Hughes

Introduction

•SPATSIM is a system that makes use of shapefiles for storing spatial data and database tables for storing other data•The information required for water resource assessments is extensive and diverse.•To be able to use the information effectively,

efficient access, display and analysis tools are

required.

SPatial And Time Series Information Modelling (SPATSIM)

• What can SPATSIM do– link spatial data with many other forms of data

(including time series).– import/export data from/to a variety of different raw

data formats.– efficient access to information.– editing and displaying information.– allows for the generation and storage of secondary

information created within the system.– able to develop links to a wide variety of analysis

methods, specifically hydrological and water resource models.

Software Design Overview

Developed with Delphi using ESRI MapObjects

Spatial data (polygons, points or lines)

accessed through shape files

Other data (numbers, text, matrices, graphics

time series, etc.) accessed through

database tables

Linked using four Data Dictionaries

Other Internal Utilities• Monthly & Annual Duration Curves– Generate duration curve data from time series

data.

• High & Low Flow Frequency Data– Analyse time series data for a set of standard

extreme values.

• Rendering (spatial visualisation) using single integer or real numbers.

External Utilities

• Generic Time Series Display and Analysis Program– Allows multiple time series to be displayed and

further analysed.

• Generic Linking Approach to a Large Number of Model Programs– Select spatial element(s) to be modelled.– Select model and define model data

requirements.– Save model setup and run model.

‘Models’ Currently Linked to SPATSIM

• Monthly rainfall-runoff and reservoir simulation model (Pitman model).

• Daily rainfall-runoff and reservoir simulation model (VTI model).

• Streamflow patching and extrapolation model.• Several models developed to support the

determination of environmental instream flow requirements for rivers.

• Hydraulic calibration model for river X-sections.

Conclusions • SPATSIM is still under development but it is

also being used.– For many environmental flow requirement

studies in South Africa

– For a rainfall-runoff modelling study in Zambia

• The basic design has been demonstrated to be robust and flexible.– New features can be added quickly

– New external processes can be added without changing the main code.

• It appears to be well suited to regional water resource assessment problems.