HEC-RAS vs Storm Water Management Model

Struggling to choose between HEC-RAS and Storm Water Management Model? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

HEC-RAS is a Science & Engineering solution with tags like hydraulics, hydrology, river-modeling, floodplain-mapping, flood-damage-reduction.

It boasts features such as 1D steady and unsteady flow river hydraulics, Floodplain mapping, Bridge and culvert modeling, Dam and levee breach analysis, Flood damage analysis, Sediment transport capabilities and pros including Widely used and accepted by regulatory agencies, Integrates well with GIS software, Free and open source, Large user community and online support.

On the other hand, Storm Water Management Model is a Science & Engineering product tagged with hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, modeling, simulation.

Its standout features include Simulates quantity and quality of runoff, Models various components of the urban hydrologic cycle, Accounts for various characteristics of subcatchments, Models hydraulic performance of drainage system components, Estimates pollutant loads associated with runoff, and it shines with pros like Widely used and tested model, Open source and free, Continuous development and maintenance, Capable of complex modeling with detailed options, Integrates hydrology and hydraulics.

Feature	HEC-RAS	Storm Water Management Model
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Science & Engineering	Science & Engineering

Product Overview

HEC-RAS

Description: HEC-RAS is hydraulic modeling software used to perform one-dimensional hydraulic calculations for natural and constructed channels. It is commonly used for floodplain mapping, flood damage reduction studies, and flood risk management.

Storm Water Management Model

Description: The Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) is an open-source hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software used for planning, analysis, and design related to stormwater runoff, combined and sanitary sewers, and other drainage systems in urban areas.

Key Features Comparison

HEC-RAS Features

• 1D steady and unsteady flow river hydraulics
• Floodplain mapping
• Bridge and culvert modeling
• Dam and levee breach analysis
• Flood damage analysis
• Sediment transport capabilities

Storm Water Management Model Features

• Simulates quantity and quality of runoff
• Models various components of the urban hydrologic cycle
• Accounts for various characteristics of subcatchments
• Models hydraulic performance of drainage system components
• Estimates pollutant loads associated with runoff

Pros & Cons Analysis

HEC-RAS

Pros

• Widely used and accepted by regulatory agencies
• Integrates well with GIS software
• Free and open source
• Large user community and online support

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• 1D modeling has limitations for complex flows
• Limited 2D capabilities
• User interface is outdated

Storm Water Management Model

Pros

• Widely used and tested model
• Open source and free
• Continuous development and maintenance
• Capable of complex modeling with detailed options
• Integrates hydrology and hydraulics

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Requires expertise to set up properly
• Not user friendly interface
• Limited visualization and post-processing capabilities
• Does not model freezing, snowmelt, etc.

Pricing Comparison

HEC-RAS

• Free

Storm Water Management Model

• Open Source