[Chris Maeder]

Note that RiverCAD provides you much more capability than HEC GeoRAS.

While GeoRAS is a very nice application, it requires additional plug-ins into ArcGIS to make it work. You need Spatial Analyst (about $2500), 3D Analyst ($2500) and ArcGIS ($1500) to make it work.

Also, GeoRAS only sets up the base HEC-RAS model. You need to manually add your profiles, bridge and culvert structures, ineffective flow areas, floodplain encroachments, etc. within HEC-RAS--not GeoRAS. You cannot manually edit the cross section data with GeoRAS. And, once you have created the base HEC-RAS model, you are required to switch over to HEC-RAS to do any additional work. Essentially all additional work that is performed in HEC-RAS cannot be reflected back into GeoRAS model that you created.

Also, you need to tweak and adjust the TIN prior to using GeoRAS. From individuals I have worked with, this takes a great deal of time. In contrast, RiverCAD can use TINs, contours, external survey files, HEC-RAS or HEC-2 models, etc.

In addition, all HEC-RAS work is performed directly within AutoCAD using RiverCAD. You can import HEC-RAS models, perform automated floodplain mapping, floodplain encroachments, bridge and culver modeling, bridge scour modeling, etc. Create a cross section as simply as drawing a line. If you need to edit the cross section, such as to add a pilot channel, RiverCAD allows you to do that interactively.

If you are serious about doing HEC-RAS modeling, you owe yourself to look into RiverCAD. It is meant for production engineering work.