|
On this page you can find answers to frequently asked
questions about PCSWMM 2006's GIS component (included in PCSWMM 2006). If you have any questions not covered here, please
contact us (info@computationalhydraulics.com). For a more
general FAQ on PCSWMM 2006, please see the more general
discussion on the GIS component, please see our Introduction
page.
Is this a
standalone tool or are you driving the GIS application with
it using either ESRI or MapInfo's VB/VC++ components?
Completely standalone package. However the product can interface directly with the
underlying database(s) of virtually any GIS/AM/FM/CAD system. ESRI, MapInfo and AutoCAD
layers/themes can all be displayed. Look and feel is most similar to ArcView (although
MapObjects were not employed).
Is
the interface to other tools completely through ASCII text files
or something more direct? Can it work directly from an Access database?
Data is extracted directly from the external GIS's
underlying database (dBase, Access, Lotus, Paradox, FoxPro, Btrieve, Excel, delimited text
file and more are supported, including ODBC compliant databases) using SQL queries and
setup in PCSWMM 2006's internal database for 'data tweaking' into a suitable model (i.e.
element aggregation, etc.). These importing configurations are saved for quick updates.
External access to the PCSWMM 2006 internal database is also possible.
What
type of evaluation and display tools does it have?
The GIS
tool is tightly integrated with PCSWMM 2006's array of tools. For example,
profiles can be selected graphically within the PCSWMM 2006 GIS view and
displayed in the Dynamic HGL tool for animated profile analysis. New results
analysis tools will be incorporated fairly quickly over the next few months
(i.e. mostly dynamic displays such as color-coded flow and velocity
simulation playback). On the data input side, connectivity analysis tools
are provided, along with the ability to display color legends - providing
visualization of the value of any model attribute.
Can
someone have a *.bmp or meta-file as a background (albeit, hard
to scale it right...)?
Yes and with completely accurate scaling (as long as you
have a geo-reference file). In fact you may have as many tiled or layered images loaded as
you like. Supported raster file formats include: .TIF, .BMP, .JPG, .PCX, .DIB, and .TGA.
Other (vector) layer formats supported are: MapInfo MIF, MicroStation DGN, AutoCAD DXF,
AutoCAD DWG, and ESRI SHP (shape file). Many different geo-referencing file formats are
supported.
Does GIS stand for Geographical Info Sys and
therefore maintains and operates in real world coordinates
and projections, or is it primarily a Graphical Info Sys and
therefore is a flat-world, simple schematic view?
It stands for Geographical Information System. PCSWMM 2006 supports real world coordinates (and any other
coordinate system) and projections. It
does not render in 3D (no fly-throughs or 3D points of view), however vertical detail is
stored in the Extran layer.
What is the
primary focus of PCSWMM 2006 GIS?
PCSWMM 2006 has two main focuses, and works under each with equal
aplomb. One focus is as a stand alone GIS system for drawing model elements (entities) and
assigning their attributes. In this case, the modeler can develop a schematic view or a
real-world view, complete with background maps and/or digital terrain photographs. Existing
data can be imported from a variety of sources, Another focus is as an intermediate
between a GIS or AM/FM system and SWMM. In this case, PCSWMM 2006 is configured to extract
model data from the underlying GIS database(s). It is assumed (though not necessary) that
most model entity and attribute 'tweaking' or aggregation will take place within the
PCSWMM 2006 environment.
Can the interface be used to automate data
input such as watershed areas, land use, and soils related
parameters such as runoff curve numbers or infiltration rates
(I have GIS data with these attributes)?
Yes - manhole, conduit, pump, weir, orifice, storage node and subcatchment data is pulled from the underlying
GIS database into an intermediate database for processing into a useful
model. In addition, conduit lengths and subcatchment area and width
parameters can be
calculated from the coordinate system.
This data is then exported to a SWMM input file (SWMM5 or SWMM4 Runoff, Transport,
or Extran). However, SWMM does not use runoff curve numbers. See the answer to the next question for a list of
supported parameters.
Does PCSWMM 2006 calculate/estimate SWMM input parameters and then insert them into an input file for
SWMM execution, or does the GIS simply calculate input parameters that you then must
insert yourself into the SWMM input file?
PCSWMM 2006's aggregation tool calculates equivalent parameters
when aggregating two or more conduits to a single conduits. In addition, conduit lengths and subcatchment areas
and widths can be
calculated from the coordinate system. As
for updating SWMM input data files, you simply associate an input file with a SWMM layer
(Runoff, Transport or Extran) and click on the 'Update Input File' menu item. The
selected entities are written to the input file.
I have
ArcView shape files for several watershed characteristics (land use, catchments, some
sewer network, ...) and am planning on doing a large-scale simulation making the GIS a
needed tool. Will PCSWMM 2006 GIS expedite the determination of input parameters and the
preparation of input files?
Unfortunately PCSWMM 2006 GIS cannot determine input parameters
directly from shape files - just from the underlying attribute database. We feel the more
expensive GIS products (ArcView, ArcInfo, Microstation, MapInfo, etc.) are best suited for this kind
of analysis. Once these attributes have been determined and exist in the
external GIS, PCSWMM 2006 GIS
facilitates the data extraction and model development.
How scaleable is the GIS component?
The current GIS component does not impose limits on the number of
entities, however, due to the way PCSWMM 2006 GIS interacts with the underlying
MS Access database, a practical limit of 2500 entities is probably justified, based on the responsiveness of the
program with a Pentium 4 2.4GHz computer.
What
else do I need in addition to PCSWMM 2006 to obtain a functional SWMM modeling environment?
Software wise, nothing else is needed. The PCSWMM 2006 installation CD-ROM
includes the SWMM4 engines. All you have
to do is supply your data.
You will, however, need a SWMM manual for details on the theory and
applicability of SWMM. We have available a revised, indexed, hardbound update of the manuals, called
the User's Guide to SWMM (2005), however any set of manuals from 1988 or
more recent will do in a pinch.
Can you purchase just the GIS component (ie. without PCSWMM 2006)?
The two products have now been fully integrated - you can no longer purchase the GIS component without
PCSWMM 2006
and the GIS component is always included in your PCSWMM 2006 purchase. Basically
PCSWMM 2006 GIS
allows you to create, edit or import node, conduit, and subcatchment entities and attributes and update an existing SWMM
input file with this data. All other aspects of modeling (file management, input data file
development, running the model, output visualization and interpretation, sensitivity,
calibration and error analysis, storm dynamics analysis, and much more) are handled by
the other tools of PCSWMM 2006.
Is it possible to obtain a demo version of PCSWMM 2006 for the purpose of evaluation?
Unfortunately, there are no demonstration versions available. PCSWMM 2006
is
relatively inexpensive and comes with a 30 day money back guarantee (minus
shipping and handling). We offer same day shipping by either courier or airmail.
What
is the total cost of the package?
PCSWMM 2006 is available for $599.95 and is directly downloadable from our
website. The hardbound User's Guide to SWMM (900p) is an additional cost and
is shipped within a day of ordering.
What
is the potential for modifications?
CHI has on many occasions developed custom software solutions
for specific clients using the PCSWMM 2006 software as a foundation. We also
pride ourselves on incorporating user-suggested features in the commercial
package in a timely fashion. If you are interested in discussing a proposal,
please contact us at
support@computationalhydraulics.com
|
