PLT27 - Recent Updates of the National Web-based Decision Support System for Water Infrastructural Security (DSS-WISE Web)

Abstract Description: DSS-WISE is an integrated flood modeling environment that combines a two-dimensional numerical model with GIS-based decision support tools for consequence analysis. DSS-WISE Web is a web-based, automated two-dimensional dam-break flood simulation and mapping capability designed for use by the stakeholders of the dam’s sector. DSS-WISE Web also has a Human Consequences Module (HCOM), which combines flood simulation results with census block population data from the Census Bureau and gridded nighttime and daytime population data from LandScan USA. In addition to HCOM, DSS-WISE Web also provides a flood hazard map, which is color-coded for different hazard levels ranging from extremely dangerous to not a significant danger. This way, first responders would know how risky the floodwaters would be for search and rescue teams. Before this system was developed there was a growing need for faster, more accurate, easily accessible, and cost-effective ways of assessing and communicating flood risk at a high spatial and risk resolutions to all the stakeholders. DSS-WISE Web has significantly helped address those needs. DSS-WISE Web simulations are easy to set-up ( < 2min); efficient to run ( < 30min) and available 24/7 free of charge for registered users. As of February 3, 2025 and since the DSS-WISE Web service became available on the NCCHE server on November 8, 2016, it has handled more than 93,150 simulations from over 2,360 active users in over 70 federal, state and local-level groups across the United States, demonstrating the high demand for such an efficient, freely and continuously available decision support system. The system has exceptional computational speed. The results are made available to the user within ½ hour for 90% of the cases and within one hour for 95% of the cases. Although the program began more than ten years ago with original support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) Science and Technology Directorate and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Dam Safety Program to the National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering (NCCHE) of the University of Mississippi, it has continued to be updated to meet emerging requirements and additional threats, and we will summarize the latest updates in this conference presentation.