Object-Oriented Software for Distributed Rainfall-Runoff Models

Abstract

A software environment for real-time flood forecasting using distributed models is presented. The system, Real-time Interactive Basin Simulator (RIBS), provides an object-oriented framework for implementation of a class of distributed rainfall-runoff models satisfying certain formal requirements. Two test models have been implemented within the system, allowing easy comparison of model performance under equal circumstances. RIBS manages process organization and data handling; facilitation of user interaction and result visualization and provision of access to model structure, hydrologic processes, and model inference. In this paper, software architecture is discussed, focusing on data representation, object organization, model inference, and interactive features of the graphic user interface.