Implementation of a feature-constraint mesh generation algorithm within a GIS

Abstract

Unstructured mesh generation has long been a labor-intensive and time-consuming aspect of hydrologic modeling. This is largely due to the iterative nature of the process and the limited integration between the specialized mesh generation software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). To facilitate mesh generation for integrated hydrologic models, a triangular finite-element mesh generator was directly embedded into a GIS platform. Additionally, a set of tools were developed to efficiently address some of the common issues that arise in a linked GIS-mesh generator software. These issues are (i) alignment of common geographic features that appear in multiple GIS features, (ii) redefining vertices with uniform spacing along GIS features, (iii) refinement of the mesh around selected GIS features, and (iv) efficient visualization of the generated mesh in the GIS platform. A GIS-platform extension integrating the mesh generator and the newly developed tools allows access to the full functionality of the GIS software for the analysis and reconditioning of geospatial datasets for mesh generation purposes. The linked GIS-mesh generator along with the newly developed tools facilitates efficient mesh generation and exploration of multiple meshes in an iterative manner without leaving the GIS platform. The features of the new software are highlighted using a realistic case study.