Do you know how to get help and support for complex tasks such as updating AI, impoundment modelling, processing spot gauges and similar tasks?
Contact Ian Roach
How do I add my own catchment shapefile if I am not confident in what Qube generates?
Simply follow instructions in manual https://qubedocs.hydrosolutions.co.uk/Flow-Estimation/Catchments/#upload-a-catchment
Flow Statistics
Residual Flow Diagrams are not quite the same as LFE - why?
Residual Flow Diagrams in LFE generate flow statistics at every confluence, Qube has a more detailed river map so there are more confluences in any given reach. As Qube does a lot more than LFE by default for each point, this can end up taking a much longer time to generate. WHS have tried to get the system to select the largest tributaries to keep the time reasonable. If users need flow data at every single confluence along a reach they can generate flow statistics on a point by point basis.
Why is the output from Qube different to LFE at the same location?
Qube has some updates and improvements over LFE, the region of influence model has been updated, the way that the GIS HOST selection works is more accurate, internal calculations are in 64 bit (in practice this means better rounding off for floating point numbers) and there is a new more detailed drainage network.
Login
How do I get admin access to add and modify data?
Contact Ian Roach
I have forgotten my email or have a new user who needs access
Contact Ian Roach
I have forgotten my password
Use the link on the login page
Why do I need to use Chrome?
Internet explorer cannot handle the map / GIS side. Internet explorer will work with the login pages and manual.
Map
Does Qube lose any functionality over LFE
Yes, LFE was able to load shapefiles and maps from the EA I: drive, Qube is online so this would have been difficult to implement and risked slowing down the system. We do have OS maps built in to Qube.
I have found a bug or issue with the system - what do I do?
Report to Ian Roach or Hydrology HO team.
I have found an error in gauging station data.
Some of the data from the NRFA may not exactly match WISKI but in many cases has little impact on the long term flow stats - strictly speaking this is not a Qube issue but if you have concerns raise with system custodian. WISKI data can be loaded to over write the time series if necessary.
What data does Qube use for the time series outputs
A combination of Cerf and at some locations, where available, naturalised or natural gauged time series. Cerf flow time series are rescaled using Low Flows Enterprise technology Flow Duration Curves for improved accuracy.
Why are some of the catchment markers in purple when most are in blue?
Qube can generate its own catchments or accept user uploaded shapefiles. The markers in blue were generated internally in Qube in the normal way, the purple markers were generated outside of Qube as a shapefile and uploaded. User uploaded shapefiles are useful in tidal catchments, where the groundwater catchment does not match the surface water catchment or when channel may have been altered.
Why are the gauging stations slow to appear?
November 2019 Update - WHS have changed the way that these are loaded and they should now be much quicker. Old answer > There are over 1000 gauging stations loaded to Qube and because each station point contains unique data, each station point needs to be sent to Chrome as an individual object. When zoomed out to the whole of the UK this may take some time. Pro tip - Qube loads what it needs for the current view window so zoom in close to an area before switching on the layer. Be aware, if you zoom or pan after switching the layer on but before it completes, it needs to start again.
Why are there lots of sets of maps?
The default basemaps that appear when you log in are free public domain maps provided with all versions of Qube. The Environment Agency have licensed access to OS maps which are better and more detailed. The OS maps license includes a dark map designed for satellite navigation at night - but was included with Qube as it was part of the license and gives the user another option.
Why does Qube contain a smaller amount of meta-data on the abstractions and discharges?
We have reduced the amount of data available so Qube only contains information it needs for hydrological modelling. This means we are compliant with the data protection act.
Providing Data
Can I make data available to a private individual for non-commercial use? (For example, a member of the public simply wondering how much water flows along the river near their house.)
Yes, please include the text: “This Qube data is supplied to [individuals name] for the sole purposes of [details of non-commercial use]. It is not to be used for any other purpose, supplied to another organisation, either commercial or non-commercial, or published in reports without the written permission from the Environment Agency. On completion of [details of non-commercial use] all copies of this data must be returned to [name of team providing data] at the Environment Agency.”
Can I make data available to justify decisions and analysis?
Yes, please include the text: “This Qube data is supplied to [customers name] for the sole purposes of [details of decision being justified, including permit application number if applicable]. It is not to be used for any other purpose, supplied to another organisation, either commercial or non-commercial, or published in reports without the written permission from the Environment Agency. On completion of [insert description of justification] all copies of this data must be returned to [name of team providing data] at the Environment Agency.”
Can I make Qube data available under the Water Resources Act?
Please contact Ian Roach or the national hydrology team to discuss.
Can I provide Qube data internally for Environment Agency use?
Yes, please include the text “This Qube data is supplied for the sole purposes of internal Environment Agency work. It is not to be passed on to another Environment Agency team or external organisation without written permission from [name of team providing data]. If this data, or results obtained from this data are published in a report you must ensure that the appropriate copyright information is attached. Please ask [name of team providing data] for further advice on publishing.”
Can I provide Qube data to third parties working under contract? (The Environment Agency must be paying the contractor; this does not apply to partnership working.)
Yes, please include the text: “This Qube data is supplied to [contractors name] for the sole purposes of [project name]. It is not to be used for any other purpose, supplied to another organisation, either commercial or non-commercial, or published in reports without the written permission from the Environment Agency. On completion of [project name] all copies of this data must be returned to [name of team providing data] at the Environment Agency.”
Can I publish data maps or screenshots?
Yes, please include the text; “This data/map/screenshot (delete as applicable) has been produced by Qube with the permission of Wallingford Hydrosolutions Limited. Unauthorised reproduction infringes copyright.”
Why are there restrictions on providing Qube data externally?
We are not a bureau of service for flow statistics. Water Resources as a function is funded by abstraction licensing which does not cover using our time and resources to support third parties. If we did provide data and something went wrong, we would not be insured. This has been agreed by an internal legal team.