T-Route - Tree-Based Channel Routing

T-Route, a dynamic channel routing model, offers a comprehensive solution for river network routing problems. It is designed to handle 1-D channel routing challenges in vector-based river network data, such as the USGS's NHDPlus High Resolution dataset, and OGC WaterML 2.0 Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) data model used in NextGen framework.

Provided a series lateral inflows for each node in a channel network, T-Route computes the resulting streamflows. T-Route requires that all routing computations srictly obey an upstream-to-downstream ordering. Such ordering facilitates the heterogenous application of routing models in a single river network. For example, hydrologic models - such as Muskingum Cunge - may be more appropriate for low-order headwater streams where backwater conditions have minimal impact on flooding. In contrast, T-Route empowers users to apply computationally intensive hydraulic models, such as the diffusive wave approximation of St. Venant equations, for high-order streams and rivers, where backwater flooding is a significant concern. This flexibility enables users to allocate computational resources precisely where they are needed most, optimizing efficiency.

Expanding its capabilities, T-Route now supports the OGC WaterML 2.0 Surface Hydrology Features (HY_Features) data model, facilitating the management of complex acyclic network connectivity. HY_Features data model provides users with a choice of routing solutions, including Muskingum-Cunge, Diffusive Wave, or Dynamic Wave.