Optimal design of rain gauge network in Johor by using geostatistics and particle swarm optimization

Abstract

This study proposes particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach to determine the optimal number and locations for the optimal rain gauge network in Johor state. The existing network of 84 rain gauges in Johor is also restructured into new locations by using daily rainfall, humidity, solar radiation, temperature and wind speed data collected during the monsoon season (November - February) of 1975 until 2008. This study used the combination of geostatistics method (variance-reduction method) and particle swarm optimization as the algorithm of optimization during the restructured proses. The numerical result shows that the new rain gauge location provides minimum value of estimated variance. This shows that the proposed method can serve as an analysis tool for a decision making to assist hydrologist in the selection of prime sites for the installation of rain gauge stations.