Storm Water Management Model vs HEC-RAS

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

Storm Water Management Model is a Science & Engineering solution with tags like hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, modeling, simulation.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Widely used and tested model, Open source and free, Continuous development and maintenance, Capable of complex modeling with detailed options, Integrates hydrology and hydraulics.

On the other hand, HEC-RAS is a Science & Engineering product tagged with hydraulics, hydrology, river-modeling, floodplain-mapping, flood-damage-reduction.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like Widely used and accepted by regulatory agencies, Integrates well with GIS software, Free and open source, Large user community and online support.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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.

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

Pricing Comparison

Storm Water Management Model

• Open Source

HEC-RAS

• Free