Terrain and Land Use Layer Preparation

for HecRAS 2D modeling

resolving issues with units and projections

This presentation is a compilation of

screenshots which can serve as a
reminder of the process.
This option
is a good idea!
another
good
practice!
The file
geodatabase
you just made
add the
elev layer
three
often-used
toolbox
sub-
compartments
first task:

re-project
from
horizontal
metric units
to
English units

(see next slide)

the elevs
are still
metric
elev layer
is ready
for RAS
now add the
land use layer
We don’t
need all
of PA!
first, we will
re-project
the whole
land use layer
PA
land use
in English
units

(zoom to
small elev
layer)
This clips
the land
use layer
to the
local
area of
interest.
all of PA
cropped
land use

elev
layer
Getting the elevation layer and the land use layer
into English units and compatible is completed.

Next, it is handy to have a *.prj projection file

that enables us to set the projection in RAS Mapper.
If we create a
blank shapefile,
it comes with
a .prj file, which
we can use in
Mapper.
Use the Edit
button to set
the projection
for the blank
shapefile.
Removing
the layer
does not
delete it!
A good practice,
for organization
and to facilitate
sharing of either
the GIS project ...is to use separate
or RAS project... GIS and RAS folders,
and copy GIS info
that RAS will use
into a “fromGIS”
folder under the
RAS folder.
ArcCatalog is like
Windows Explorer,
but it keeps track of
all the GIS related
files that go with
any layer.

Here we copy the

shapefile over, and
the projection file
automatically comes
with it.
We do
the same
with the
elevation layer.
And we do
the same
with the
land use layer.
The GIS operations are complete.

Let’s prove that everything will

work properly in RAS!
You can check the RAS info to see if it is what you expect.
Next, create the
RAS terrain, from the
GIS elevation file.
Next, add the
land use layer.

But first, you might

review the 2D user
manual (Help pull-
down menu) to see
how RAS connects
Manning roughness
to land use.
some suggested roughnesses
In the Geometry
Editor, the terrain
shows up,

but when we go
to save it...
...it disappears!
Go back to
RAS Mapper
and
associate
both the
terrain and
the land use
with you new
geometry!
Back in the
Geometric Data
Editor,

set the schematic

plot extents to
what RAS has
computed for
the associated
layer.
Button to control
background
in Geometry.
A table also
allows you to
edit Manning
roughness if
desired.
You should be off and running
with 2D HecRAS!