Accounting for the spatial rainfall variability in urban modelling applications

In hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling of urban catchments, the spatial variability of rainfall is often neglected. This spatial variability encloses two aspects: (1) the spatial variability of the statistical properties of rainfall, and (2) the non-uniform spatial distribution of rainfall over the modelled catchments. In an ongoing research project for the Ministry of the Flemish Community (Belgium), the influence of this spatial rainfall variability on the results of modelling applications is studied. At the same time, most efficient methods to reduce this influence are determined. The results of the research can be applied directly in Flanders. They consist of a combination of unified IDF-reiationships, spatial correction factors (generally applicable formulas), a stochastic simulation model for spatial rainfall (software) and a methodology for improving the spatial correction factors in a case-specific way by performing simulations with the model.