GeoHECRAS is the BEST

I do quick studies, where FEMA mapping does not exist, to determine how much of a property is developable for potential developers. I size stream crossings for FEMA “No-Rise” situations. I analyze FEMA floodways where they would be impacted by crossings I size using the software. Mapping is updated by the click of a button for any changes.

Pros

I like the ease of use and fast productivity. I can set up a model from scratch and determine flood elevations in 4 hours. That requires selecting the orthophoto and importing a CAD file to use as a background, importing contours (or LIDAR), turning them into a DTM (which it does very fast), drawing the reach centerline, cutting cross sections, inserting a crossing (if needed), turning on FEMA flood data (FIRM info), determine base flows using USGS Stream Stats inside the software (faster than using a web browser), and I have base flood elevations and floodplain mapping in 4 hours! Technical Support is the best ever! They are always quick to reply to questions with a call. They call periodically to make sure all is well with the software. They provide updated software regularly that makes its use easier.

Cons

I have no complaints. If I ever have a need, they take care of it quickly. They are a pleasure to work with to solve any issues.

Business Owner and Senior Water Resources Engineer Review

GeoHECRAS provides cost savings to our clients because it significantly cuts modelling time through ease of use and integrated GIS tools.

Pros

The software allows one to undertake hydraulic analysis in a very efficient manner. The easy to use interface and geographic tools allow you to complete tasks in a much shorter time than using traditional methods. GeoHECRAS provides a cost effective solution compared to other similar softwares with focus on the key tools that are used most often by water resources engineers in southern Ontario.

Cons

After years of use, there is still a lot of room to integrate more features to simplify/automate the modeling design and analysis process.

Improved functionality for HEC-RAS but at a cost

Great customer service from CivilGEO. Improvements to a existing free software. Too expensive for most.

Pros

The additional features that have been added to the HEC-RAS. These features make analysis of the model results easier and more intuitive.

Cons

The subscription-based model of the software distribution. The annual maintenance fee is far too high for smaller firms to justify purchasing the product

GeoHECRAS Software Customer Review

The software has allowed our company to provide more detail data for our clients in a more timely and efficient manner. State and Federal regulatory agencies seems to like output generated from detail DEM and LIDAR data.

Pros

The software has capabilities to import maps, photographs, and other features available from online sources. These items save time by making them readily available as a component of the software. The capability to provide georeferenced data is helpful in providing solutions to real world problems easily located on the ground. Numerous features to select data from graphical input or from tabular entry of data are very helpful. The capability to merge DEM data sets with CAD or survey data is very helpful. Support team seems to be available and helpful when needed.

Cons

Program is updated frequently. Installation of the updates was cumbersome for me and required help from the support team. The support team did provide tips on how best to address this issue.

GeoHEC-RAS review

Our experience has been good overall.

Pros

Drawing cross sections and extracting data from surfaces is simple. Combining LIDAR data with survey (conflating points) works well. Inundation mapping is easy. Merging different data sets together is quicker than using ArcGIS. Customer support has been great and they call to check in monthly.

Cons

There is a slight learning curve, but after a few times of using the software, it is pretty easy. It would nice to be able to see the comparison of the LIDAR terrain within a cross section view like in HEC-RAS.