Version 6.1

Version 6.1

Released November 2022

GPU solver finalised 

The 2D GPU solver, previously released as a beta version, has now been finalised. This is now more robust, and compatible with a wider range of modelling scenarios than the previous beta version. The benchmarking of the solver has highlighted the significant performance gains that can be realised compared to equivalent simulations run on the CPU.

Improved 2D Diagnostics

Various improvements have been made to 2D diagnostic messaging, to help with identifying issues and troubleshooting these if necessary. A Spatial diagnostics file is of particular value for 2D simulations as it can be used to locate potentially problematic areas within your domain. A limit (which is easily adjusted by the user) has now been imposed on the number of lines written to the spatial diagnostic file, to stop these becoming unmanageably large.

Enhanced 2D Flood Map tool

This post-processing tool is used to extract selected timesteps from a 2D results file and export these either as flood outlines or flood depth grids. The 2D flood map tool has been enhanced to now work with .xmdf and .netcdf format results and export to GeoTIFF format, in addition to previous options. The tool has also been redesigned and now can process multiple results at once. 

Improved calibration file editor

Calibration datasets are hugely important to reduce the uncertainty in model results. By comparing these known data values for specific events to results produced within Flood Modeller, a user can refine parameters to improve the accuracy of a model. The improved Calibration file editor tool enables you to quickly and easily create these dataset, following which users can Add calibration data to results for comparison.

Optimal Storm Duration tool addition

The Optimal Storm Duration tool can be used to find the storm duration required to achieve a maximum water level or discharge at a location of interest. Flood Modeller uses rainfall-runoff methodologies to quickly and easily find the OSD for a model containing one or more catchment inflow hydrograph units. This tool now has the additional option of running with double precision. 

WFS layers now available

Web Map Services (WMS) return the image of a map. Web Feature Services (WFS) can have attributes alongside geometry. Flood Modeller now provides selected WFS layers to assist with visualisation of models, in addition to the WMS layers previously available. Alongside the option to Add a WMS/WFS layer to a Project, for layers you use frequently, you can also Add a WMS/WFS layer to your favourites for even easier access.

Enhanced 2D results options

The interface for loading all 2D results has been redesigned with enhanced functionality, providing quick access to all 2D model results, including any linked river/urban elements. The newly available options include a more intuitive way to Load 2D results (also helpful if you choose to Animate 2D results), and quick and easy methods to Load 2D diagnostics (including log files and check grids) and to Load the 2D flood extent.

Updated snowmelt rates

An updated snowmelt rate calculation has been implemented in the 1D river FEH hydrological boundary unit. This revision aligns with the latest accepted UK methodology (as stipulated by the Environment Agency). Within the FEH unit, you can now Provide two snowmelt rates; the rate during the antecedent period, together with the (usually increased) rate during the storm event itself. Further, these rates can be calculated automatically within Flood Modeller using the catchment descriptors and other parameters defined within the unit.

New outflow boundary

As an alternative to the Normal Depth boundary, Flood Modeller now offers the Outflow boundary for use with your 2D GPU and TVD simulations. This can provide a more stable solution with improved mass balance compared to the Normal Depth boundary, particularly when creating boundary lines that extend over multiple grid cells.

Full details on all new functionality and solver enhancements can be found in the v6.1 release notes available here: