The STEGIS plugin is responsible for performing geographical analyses, executing all GIS operations, and conducting 2D computations, while providing and analyzing results. During the development of this plugin, efforts have been made to code and include all the tools required by users so that they do not need to exit the software environment when conducting modeling and performing hydraulic, hydrological, and other analyses. Therefore, the plugin ensures that all necessary tools for working with raster, vector, and geographical files, as well as performing hydraulic, hydrological, and topographical computations and analyses, are readily available and user-friendly.
In designing the user interface of this section of the software, efforts have been made to categorize all tools based on their functionality and make them easily accessible to create a user-friendly environment. This ensures that working with the plugin is as simple and straightforward as possible. All data, maps, and files generated by this plugin can be saved either permanently or temporarily and can be easily retrieved.
The main interface of this plugin consists of eight distinct sections, including:
- Map
- Main Layers
- Time-Series Layers
- Map Tools
- Layer Tools
- Tiles
- Geographic Coordinate Systems
- Computation and Modeling Tools
On the main page of the plugin, a map is provided that can load and display various raster and vector file formats, including GeoTiff, Geopackage, VRT, sdat, shp, etc. In this plugin, layers can be added in two forms: main layers and time series layers.
Main Layers #
These layers are either vector or raster and are fixed and individual. On the left side of the plugin, a designated area is provided for adding main layers, offering the following functionalities:
- Changing the order and position of the layers
- Showing or hiding the layer
- Creating a new layer
- Focusing the map on the layer
- Displaying the information stored within the layer
- Symbolization and adjusting the display settings of the layer
Raster Layers #
A comprehensive set of features has been implemented in the software for configuring the display of raster layers. These capabilities include adjusting various color spectrums or creating custom color spectrums, as well as saving, recalling, copying, and utilizing pre-generated values, among other features provided in this section.
One important feature to note in this section is the ability to calculate and generate a Hillshade map. This feature has been programmed into the software and enables better visualization and understanding of topographic maps.
Vector Layers #
For vector layers as well, just like raster layers, a comprehensive set of features has been provided. you can adjust the thickness, size, color, and other properties of the symbols used, which can all be customized and personalized.
Time Series Layers #
These layers consist of a group of raster files that are arranged chronologically. By displaying these layers consecutively, the changes in the parameters of the raster files can be animated. Since a large portion of the data used and produced by the software is time-dependent and organized as a time series, a dedicated module has been coded specifically for time series layers. These layers can be accessed via a slider located at the top right of the map; by adjusting the slider, the time changes and the corresponding file for that time is displayed. By right-clicking on the name of the currently displayed file, the following options become available for these types of layers:
- Loading raster files as a time series
- Retrieving modeling results produced by the software
- Plotting graphs of changes over time
- Animation and automatic playback
- Symbolization and adjusting the display of layers individually or collectively, static or dynamic (similar to main layers)
- File management, geographic coordinate system management, etc., similar to main layers
Map Tools #
A set of tools has been placed in the map toolbar and the Tools menu to control the map and utilize the software’s capabilities. These tools include:
- Tools for controlling the current zoom level and map position.
- Tools for viewing and identifying layer values by clicking and moving the mouse.
- A ruler tool for measuring distances in the field.
- Tools for drawing, editing, moving, selecting, and adding shapes to vector layers.
- Tools for undoing or redoing actions.
- A tool for plotting raster file values along a line.
Using this tool, by drawing a cross-section or a line along the river, it is possible to plot changes in water level or any other parameter against location. This tool is available for both main layers and time series layers.
- Displaying the water flow direction
Since determining the water flow direction in the software can be computed and recorded using various methods, two methods have been coded for displaying the water flow direction as described below. It is worth noting that this tool is capable of directly displaying the water flow direction without any preliminary calculations, solely using either the water surface slope or the ground slope.- Fixed Arrows Method
In this method, the water flow direction is displayed using fixed arrows. The size, thickness, contraction rate, and color of the arrows can be customized by the user. If a flow velocity map is available and selected, areas with higher flow velocities will be represented by larger arrows, while areas with lower flow velocities will be shown with smaller arrows. - Particle Tracking Method (Streamline Drawing)
By activating this mode, the software simulates particle motion on the water surface to dynamically and interactively draw streamlines on the map. Users can adjust the speed of the streamlines, the spacing between them, their thickness, lifespan, and color.
This method also allows users to add custom particles by clicking on the map, with the streamlines of these particles displayed in a distinct color. If a flow velocity map is selected, the speed of the streamlines corresponds to the flow velocity at each point. Therefore, in regions with higher flow velocity, streamlines move faster, while they slow down in areas with lower flow velocity.
- Fixed Arrows Method
- Identification and visualization of flooding on roads and communication routes
Given the importance of identifying flood-affected and inundated points on roads and communication routes to protect lives and reduce damages, a tool for calculating and identifying these points has been coded and added to the software. By providing a flow depth map, roads, bridges, and configuring the symbols and color scales, the software is capable of identifying and visualizing flooding on roads and communication routes using this tool.
- DEM Downloader Tool
Recognizing that Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are vital for hydraulic and hydrological modeling, a DEM Downloader Tool has been developed and integrated into the software. This tool enables users to select an Area of Interest (AOI) and automatically download high-resolution DEM data from online sources like OpenTopography. The downloaded DEM is instantly prepared for analysis and modeling, streamlining the workflow for terrain-based simulations.
- JavaScript Code Auto-Generator for Google Earth Engine
To facilitate data retrieval from Google Earth Engine, a JavaScript Code Auto-Generator Tool has been developed and integrated into the software. This tool automatically prepares the required JavaScript code based on user-defined parameters such as time range and area of interest (AOI). This tool simplifies the process of gathering crucial geospatial data, reducing manual coding efforts and accelerating model preparation. The generated code can be directly used in Google Earth Engine to obtain the following data:- Land Cover Maps: For determining Manning’s roughness coefficients.
- Hydrological Soil Groups: Essential for infiltration modeling and calculating SCS Curve Numbers.
- Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Maps: For identifying flood-affected areas and delineating flood extents using satellite imagery.
- Suspended Sediment Concentration (SSC) Maps: Calculating and estimating SSC based on Sentinel-2 imagery using remote sensing methods.
- Soil Texture and Composition Maps for Estimating Particle Size: To enhance sediment transport modeling, the software includes a tool for utilizing Soil Texture and Composition Maps. These maps provide information on the percentage of sand, silt, clay, and organic carbon, allowing the software to estimate sediment particle size distribution. The tool processes this data using built-in algorithms and generates particle size classes essential for sediment transport calculations. Users can load soil texture maps from various sources, and the software automatically calculates particle diameters, which can be integrated into bed material configurations for hydraulic and sediment modeling.
- UTM Zone Identifier Tool
To facilitate working with layers lacking projected geographic coordinates (UTM), the software includes a UTM Zone Identifier Tool. This tool is essential for converting geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) to projected coordinates (UTM).
By receiving the central latitude and longitude of the layer, the tool identifies the corresponding UTM zone. It then provides the projected UTM coordinates needed for transforming the layer’s coordinate system. This feature ensures accurate spatial alignment for hydraulic and hydrological modeling.
- Image Placement Tool
To compare the software’s modeling results with images captured by surveillance cameras or field inspections, an Image Placement Tool has been developed and integrated.
This tool allows users to attach images to the map and accurately place their capture locations on the map. Clicking on a marked image location displays the photo, along with its date, time, and other metadata. This feature helps validate model outputs by visually aligning real-world observations with simulation results.
