Influence of elevation modelling on hydrodynamic simulations of a tidally-dominated estuary

Hydrodynamic simulation of estuaries requires a single digital elevation model (DEM) resulting from merging of both topographic and bathymetric data. These two datasets are usually produced using different technologies, co-ordinate systems and datums. Intertidal data in particular are often lacking due to the difficulty of data acquisition using conventional survey techniques. This paper presents a fast, accurate and low-cost methodology to fill this gap and highlights the effect of the digital elevation model characteristics, such as the interpolation method and spatial resolution, on modelled water levels and flooded areas. The Lima river estuary, located in North-western Portugal, is used as a case study. Validation tests for commonly available spatial interpolators showed ordinary kriging to be the most adequate interpolator. Digital elevation models with regular grids of 5 m and 50 m resolution were used, together with the original (not interpolated) elevation dataset, as input to a finite element hydrodynamic model for astronomic tide simulation. Results indicate that the larger differences between using different elevation models occur at low tide during spring tide, marginally impacting the flood modelling. The effect of a vertical offset of the chart datum with respect to a part of the digital elevation model was finally investigated, showing a limited influence in the determination of the water levels.