HydroVLab, Hydrology Virtual Laboratory

Despite the Information and Communication Technology has been widely applied in online and distance learning, there are still topics, that involve the practical application of knowledge, that have not yet been fully resolved by ICTs, especially in the field of Engineering. This paper presents the Hydrology Virtual Laboratory (HydroVLab), an academic initiative that aims to provide tools for the simulation of hydrological phenomena, data analysis and the design of relevant elements in hydraulic and fluvial engineering through the Web. The didactic conception of HydroVLab allows students and researchers to analyze the different hydrological phenomena and their interrelation with their most relevant parameters. For the design, analysis and implementation of this software, the Unified Development Process was used, alongside a robust architecture that manages an assembly in three layers, which is developed under the advanced object-oriented language. This has allowed a flexible and adaptable design, capable of including new elements and performing changes for its expansion and maintenance.