HEC-RTS provides data and information needed to water managers readily through DSS (HEC, Data System Storage software) files, and to a database system that the user creates. The graphical user interface (GUI) provides a user with the ability to configure watersheds, view and edit data/information, create and run forecasts, and view results. The functions of HEC-RTS are organized into four groups, or modules: Setup, Acquisition, Visualization, and Modeling (Figure 1.1).
The Setup module where the user will setup the watershed. The user develops a visual representation of the watershed to display in the GUI that is map-based. In the Setup module, the user can configuring inputs, models, and outputs that describe a watershed's behavior.
TipAn HEC-RTS watershed is a set of data, information, models, and images that represent watershed lands and the channels, gages, and water control features within the watershed.
The Acquisition module is where the acquisition of data from DSS files, validating the quality of incoming data, transforming the data (e.g., stage to flow), and editing the data, for a watershed happens.
The Visualization module provides commands for data visualization, like, displaying observed and forecasted data to evaluate the hydrometeorological state of the watershed. In the Visualization module, HEC-RTS provides tools to facilitate review of large amounts of data, including summaries presented as graphs, tables, spreadsheets, charts, river profiles, maps, or sometimes a combination of these. Within the Visualization module, the summaries are linked to a watershed map, so that a user can click on an icon and immediately view the data associated with that location or also view computational results.
The Modeling module is where the user will run forecasts; the user will create forecasts, and then forecast and view results. HEC-RTS links the analysis software so that individual models are executed in an orchestrated manner. Data and other inputs are passed to each piece of software through a DSS file (forecast.dss).
TipA forecast is a simulation of watershed processes and consequences of flooding based on input data and information and hydrologic, reservoir operation, hydraulic, and impact analysis models. Forecast results include flow and stage in the channel from watershed runoff, reservoir release schedules, floodplain inundation maps, floodplain consequence reports, and reports listing actions for emergency responders to take. These results inform water management decision making.
HEC-RTS analysis software meets modern software standards, includes an easy-to-use GUI, and executes within current operating systems. The main analysis software are:

HEC-MetVue

Processes observed meteorological data for input to HEC-HMS. Inputs are either point or gridded estimates of meteorological data such as precipitation and temperature. Outputs are observed meteorological time series formatted for compatibility with HEC- HMS.

MFP

Processes meteorological forecasts for input to HEC-HMS. Inputs are forecasted meteorological data such as precipitation and temperature. The user can enter these forecasts manually or obtain them from external sources such as NWS (National Weather Service).

HEC-HMS

Simulates watershed response to precipitation. Inputs may include observed or forecasted precipitation, temperature, snowpack, and other environmental conditions. Outputs include flows throughout the watershed, including inflows to reservoirs and local flows below the reservoirs.

HEC-ResSim

Simulates behavior of reservoirs and linking channels, following user- specified operations for reservoir release decision making. Inputs include flows into reservoirs and unregulated flows downstream of reservoirs (from HEC-HMS). Outputs include reservoir releases, downstream regulated flows, and reservoir storage conditions.

HEC-RAS

Simulates behavior of channels and adjacent floodplains. Simulation of channels is in one dimension, and simulation of adjacent floodplains is in one or two dimensions. The output from HEC-RAS permits determination of water surface elevations corresponding to flows computed by HEC-HMS or HEC-ResSim. Inputs include flows, and outputs include water surface elevations, depth grids, and inundation maps.

HEC-FIA

Estimates the consequences of flow or water surface elevations in the system. Inputs include computed or observed flows or water surface elevations throughout the flood plain. Outputs include economic, life loss, or other measures of impact, or optionally, information on actions to be taken in response to flows or water surface elevations that will be experienced.


HEC-RTS ensures that those who need to know the current state of the defined watershed and likely future states have access to that information. The capability to access this information is accomplished using information sharing technology, including specially designed websites for display.