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CHAMP can now be run in Windows ME, in addition to the Windows 95, 98, 2000, and NT operating systems. CHAMP is available at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/fhm/dl_champ.shtm.

Development of Program 2 - Transect Data Entry and Editing

The August 2001 Bulletin of the FEMA Coastal Hazard mailing list concerns a discussion of the development and helpful hints concerning CHAMP Program 2 - Transect Data Entry and Editing. Program 1 - Transect Description/Parameter Entry was discussed in the July 2001 Bulletin.

The development of Program 2 includes two tasks, which are discussed in detail on pp.18-20, and summarized on p.21 (Steps 4-7) of the User's Manual. These tasks can be performed only after completion of Program 1.

  • Import Data
    Please download two comma-delimited text files titled 'Transect1.csv' and 'Transect2.csv', which include station/elevation pairs for two transects. Save these files to your local directory (i.e., C:\Program Files\Champ). These data can be imported into your CHAMP database by opening the Transect Data Entry and Editing program by clicking the 'Transect' button on the Main Menu Button Bar. Transect station and elevation data should then be imported on a transect-by-transect basis by selecting the 'Import' menu item under the File menu. The source column lists the source of the transect profile data and is not required for database development.
  • Adjust Transect
    After importing data, click on the 'Adjusted' button in the Transect Data Entry and Editing program to create an adjusted station/elevation table in the database: these data will be used by subsequent programs. This button adjusts the transect data by interpolating or adding a zero elevation and corresponding station (if necessary), which is required by the Wave Height Analysis for Flood Insurance Studies (WHAFIS) program.

Helpful Hints

  • Data Requirements
    Station/elevation pairs must extend seaward to at least the zero shoreline. However, profile data should extend much further offshore if erosion treatment and wave runup analysis are to be performed. Profile data should also extend onshore to a point where coastal stillwater flooding likely ceases or to the limit of maximum runup elevation.
  • Enter Additional Data
    To enter additional station/elevation pairs, enter data at the row indicated by the asterisk at the bottom left corner of the input data fields.
  • Refresh Data
    Click on the Refresh button in the Transect Data Entry and Editing Program to reformat station/elevation pairs in numerical order of station value after entering additional data.

Introduction to CHAMP Graphics

CHAMP incorporates a graphics utility that employs CADD features to visualize and chart flood hazard data in profile cross-section view. This graphics utility, which is accessible in each of the Programs, displays the transect or adjusted transect data depending on which table is displayed at the time when the 'Graphic' button is originally clicked. When the graphic window is displayed, several commands can be selected by clicking on the 'Graph' drop down menu. For instance, layers can be (un)selected for view, axes scales can be changed, and data points can inserted or removed directly in the graphic. To view the insertion or removal of data points, the 'Refresh' button must be clicked. In addition, the Update Table menu item in the 'Graph' drop down menu must be selected to update the database table in order to correctly remodel the profile. Graphic viewing options can be chosen by either selecting the View menu item, or by right-mouse clicking on the graphic itself. The function of these graphicaldisplays is discussed in detail on pp. 43-47 of the User's Manual.

In the Transect Data Entry and Editing program only, a point identifying the Primary Frontal Dune (PFD) can be added when viewing the adjusted transect graph. In the 'Graph' drop down menu, select 'Landward Toe (PFD)', then select the point along the transect where the landward limit of the primary frontal dune is located.

Preparation for the September 2001 Bulletin

In preparation for the September 2001 Bulletin, you should simply complete the exercise discussed in Part 2, above. Next month, we will continue to develop your CHAMP database by working on Program 3 - Erosion Treatment.

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Last Modified: Tuesday, 19-Jun-2007 11:57:20 EDT