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Progress in Physical Geography
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Hydrological modelling using artificial neural networks

C. W. Dawson

Department of Computer Science, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3TU, UK

R. L. Wilby

Division of Geography, University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby DE22 1GB, UK and National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO 80307, USA

This review considers the application of artificial neural networks (ANNs) to rainfall-runoff modelling and flood forecasting. This is an emerging field of research, characterized by a wide variety of techniques, a diversity of geographical contexts, a general absence of intermodel comparisons, and inconsistent reporting of model skill. This article begins by outlining the basic principles of ANN modelling, common network architectures and training algorithms. The discussion then addresses related themes of the division and preprocessing of data for model calibration/validation; data standardization techniques; and methods of evaluating ANN model performance. A literature survey underlines the need for clear guidance in current modelling practice, as well as the comparison of ANN methods with more conventional statistical models. Accordingly, a template is proposed in order to assist the construction of future ANN rainfall-runoff models. Finally, it is suggested that research might focus on the extraction of hydrological ‘rules’ from ANN weights, and on the development of standard performance measures that penalize unnecessary model complexity.

Key Words: artificial neural networks • flood forecasting • hydrology • model • rainfall-runoff

Progress in Physical Geography, Vol. 25, No. 1, 80-108 (2001)
DOI: 10.1177/030913330102500104
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