About enhancing network models

Views of an InfoWorks ICM network model can be enhanced to better understand the model as a whole representation of the network.

ICM supports multiple formats of ground models, used to represent the ground surface in the area covered by the hydraulic model.

The ground model can take one of two forms:

• A triangular irregular network (or TIN): With the surface represented by triangles with known elevations at the triangle vertices.
• Gridded ground model data: The blocks are divided into cells of a particular resolution. The resolution must be uniform across a block, although different blocks can have different resolutions.

A 3D View of the network model can also be generated. Use the mouse scroll buttons or the 3D viewpoint tools to move around the 3D View and to zoom out to the extents of the network. The 3D View allows for viewing the ground surface of a network that has a ground model loaded on its GeoPlan. Manipulate the view properties by enabling or disabling background mapping, network objects, terrain models, and the rendering of 2D results.

Along with ground models, additional layers of map information can also be displayed in the GeoPlan. Background mapping and GIS layers can be added to provide a better understanding of the surface and surrounding terrain. These are often shapefiles brought in as layers. ICM also supports the use of Web Map Service (WMS) images.

Another way to enhance models and simulation results is by using ICM Themes. Themes display a particular node, link, subcatchment, or polygon parameter graphically on the GeoPlan. The chosen parameters can be a static network parameter with a fixed display or a results parameter during a replay of a simulation. For time-varying results parameters, the display is continually updated during the replay. An example is displaying flood depth and flow direction from 2D simulation results.

It is also possible to display SQL expressions with themes, which can be used for viewing differences in results between two simulations. Themes can be saved for re-use and exported for others to use.

As part of the Properties and Themes dialog, the Layer Theme Editor changes the display options for themes and contour plots for every network object and ground model on the GeoPlan. Every layer (object type or ground model) can have an ordered set of themes and a default theme.