What is SplashTool?
SplashTool is software for the iterative calculation of runoff paths and water depths in terrain depressions during heavy rain.
Is SplashTool a standalone software or a GIS plugin?
SplashTool is a standalone software, in particular you do not need expensive software such as ArcGIS with the Spatial Analyst extension for its use. For the use of the GPU computing core you need an Nvidia graphics card (details see configuration and installation instructions in the section Documentation), for the preparation of input data and for the visualization of result data you need a geographic information system (GIS). You may use any GIS that can handle GeoTif files, for example ArcGIS or the free QGIS.
What does SplashTool cost?
The current prices are listed on the subpage Prices.
What advantages do I have through the use of SplashTool compared to other software?
SplashTool enables you to perform a volume-accurate flow path analysis with higher informative value than a classic flow path analysis (e.g. with the Spatial Analyst from ArcGIS). The analysis can be carried out with significantly less effort than a hydrodynamic simulation, and this also for very large areas. Thus, you can already at the beginning of the project with very little effort identify the essential runoff paths and terrain depressions. The results help you to save time in subsequent steps, for example in the plausibility check and remote sensing of runoff-relevant structures, the preparation of site inspections, or the determination of partial catchments.
What are the license terms?
SplashTool is offered for an annual usage fee per computer (single-user license). If you are interested in purchasing SplashTool, I will gladly send you a license agreement for review.
Can I use SplashTool to create heavy rain hazard maps according to the Baden-Württemberg, NRW or Hesse guidelines?
SplashTool is suitable for simplified hazard assessments according to DWA-M 119 Chapter 7.2.4 and enables a volume-accurate analysis. However, it is not a hydrodynamic simulation model, does not provide information on flow velocities and thus cannot be used as a calculation model when hydrodynamic simulations are required as in the above-mentioned guidelines. Nevertheless, SplashTool is used in numerous projects in Baden-Württemberg, Hesse and NRW as a rough model before detailed simulation with a hydrodynamic model. The use of SplashTool offers numerous advantages: Before dividing into sub-areas, you may iterate over large areas comprehensively with SplashTool first. The delimitation of hydrological partial catchments, the system understanding, the identification of main flow paths and main depressions, as well as the areas where runoff-relevant structures are particularly relevant, can already be identified woth SplashTool at a very early stage in the project. Thus, SplashTool also generates added value in projects where calculation is done with a hydrodynamic model through a preceding rough analysis. This efficient rough analysis was the main focus from the beginning in the development of SplashTool.