Select the new Trace Analysis scenario and click Batch.

11. Use color coding (by Calculated Trace), tables, and graphs to view the results of this run. As you scroll through the time periods, notice how the colors spread outward from the tank during periods when the tank is draining, and recede when the tank begins to fill. For more information on reporting features, “Lesson 4: Reporting Results” on page 3-127.

12. Close the open dialog boxes and save this project.

3.7

Lesson 7: Working with Data from External

Sources

WaterCAD supports several methods of exchanging data with external applications, preventing duplication of effort and allowing you to save time by reusing data already present in other locations. For instance, you can exchange data with databases or a GIS system, or you can convert existing CAD linework to a pipe network.

There are multiple ways of importing data from outside sources into WaterCAD. You can set up one or more database connections to bring in information stored in many standard database and spreadsheet formats. GIS information can be brought in through connections to ESRI shapefiles. If you have existing drawings of your network in a .DXF format (.DWG format in the AutoCAD version), you can have WaterCAD convert your lines and/or blocks into distribution system elements, setting up prefer- ences for handling situations such as T-intersections and line endpoints, and creating tolerances to allow for drawing imperfections. Or, you can display a .DXF file as a background drawing for use in laying out a scaled network (Stand-Alone version only). Patterns and pump definitions can also be imported, from specially formatted text files. These data types can only be imported in this way—since this data occupies more than a single database field, shapefile and database connections cannot be used to bring pump definitions or patterns into the model. Shapefile and database connec- tions can, however, store the name of the pump definition, as well as other single-field pump data such as elevation, label, and relative speed. This allows the pumps to be imported into the model, and assigned a previously created (or imported) pump defini- tion, according to the name of the pump definition. This process is demonstrated in Part 1. Finally, WaterCAD will automatically import networks created in EPANet, KYPIPE, and previous versions of Cybernet/WaterCAD.

WaterCAD also uses database and shapefile connections to export data from the model for use externally. You can also copy tables, reports, and graphs and paste them into other Windows applications, or save plan and profile views in .DXF format for use when creating construction documents in CAD. This lesson covers the three main methods of building your network using external data, summarized in the following table.

Table 3-11: Network Building Using External Data

Method Description Advantages Disadvantages

Database Connection

Create connections to import and export model data using common database and spreadsheet formats.

Extremely versatile. Allows exchange of most any model data with a wide variety of applications (ODBC). A topographic representation of the network can be created by using node coordinates and assigning to and from nodes to pipes. Once a connection is established, it can be saved for later use, and multiple

connections can be created and synchronized simultaneously.

Pipes will be depicted as straight lines connecting the to and from nodes, so pipe bends will not be transferred.

Shapefile Connection

Create connections to import and export model data in ESRI shapefile format.

Advantages are similar to those of Database Connections, except the topographic data exchange is automatic and pipe bends are accounted for.

More proprietary. You have to have

software that supports ESRI shapefiles in order to utilize the data.

Polyline to Pipe Conversion

Convert existing lines, polylines, and blocks in DXF/DWG format into pipes and other network elements.

Enables you to use legacy CAD drawings to build your network. You can set up tolerances to allow for drawing imperfections, and preferences for how nodes will be created.

Elements are assigned default labels as they are created. Only

topographic data can be imported, not attribute values. Requires careful review on the part of the modeler.

3.7.1

Part 1—Importing Shapefile Data

In this part of the lesson, you will import ESRI shapefiles to construct the distribution network in WaterCAD from existing GIS data. If you have ArcView, ArcInfo, or other application that can open a shapefile, then you can, if you choose, view the files exter- nally prior to importing them. However, you will still be able to perform the workshop problem even if you don’t have one of these applications. This lesson uses the network from “Lesson 6: Water Quality Analysis” on page 3-151.

The ESRI shapefile actually consists of three separate files that combine to define the spatial and non-spatial attributes of a map feature. The three required files are as follows:

• Main File—The main file is a binary file with an extension of .SHP. It contains

the spatial attributes associated with the map features. For example, a polyline record contains a series of points, and a point record contains x and y coordinates. • Index File—The index file is a binary file with an extension of .SHX. It contains

the byte position of each record in the main file.

• Database File—The database file is a dBase III file with an extension of .DBF. It

contains the non-spatial data associated with the map features.

All three files must have the same file name with the exception of the extension, and be located in the same directory.

Listed below are the files you will be importing. Only the main files are listed; however, corresponding .SHX and .DBF are present as well.

• PresJunc.shp • PresPipe.shp • PRV.shp • Pump.shp • Reservoi.shp • Tank.shp

If you have a program such as ArcView or ArcGIS that allows you to view shapefiles, begin by setting up a view with all of the shapefiles (themes) listed above turned on. If you completed “Lesson 6: Water Quality Analysis” on page 3-151, you should recog- nize the layout from that lesson. You can look at the data table for each of the themes to see what you will be importing. When you have finished reviewing the shapefiles, close the application.

This lesson has instructions for use with the Stand-Alone interface and the AutoCAD interface.

In the Stand-Alone interface:

1. Double-click the WaterCAD desktop icon to start WaterCAD Stand-Alone. If the Welcome to WaterCAD dialog box opens, click the Close button.