Introduction to the 2D results analysis tools

In InfoWorks ICM, most of the tools and functions available for 1D results—result properties, graph tools, and grid reports—are also available for 2D results.

Additionally, several tools are used exclusively for 2D results analysis.

Network Results Objects (2D):

Used to calculate and store results relating to one or more 2D elements in InfoWorks network.

Available 2D network results objects:

Network results point (2D)
Network results line (2D)
Network results polygon (2D)

Must be built into mesh prior to simulation to accurately capture detailed results of specified point, line, and polygon.

Two images side-by-side, with a network results polygon built into 2D mesh on the left, and a network results polygon (2D) graph on the right.

Element Results:

For 2D mesh without 2D network results objects built in, individual element results are still available.

Time-varying
Update when simulation results are replayed
Provide information for current time step and all corresponding maximum and minimum values

The element properties dialog box, individual element results for the current timestep, with time-varying information highlighted in green.

On the GeoPlan, a zoomed-in view of simulation results with a 2D element selected, and in the lower-right corner, a depth and rainfall profile graph for the selected element.

Results Analysis Objects:

To investigate larger groups of elements, use results analysis objects to interrogate results within 2D mesh.

Available results analysis object types:

2D results polygons, for an area enclosing and intersecting multiple elements
Results section, for information along a line intersecting multiple elements
2D results point, for information about an individual element

In a meshed 2D model with results generated, a 2D results polygon enclosing an area of buildings and a road that shows flooding.

Extremely useful for high-level results investigation, such as looking for areas of flooding, or extracting approximate values from 2D mesh for presenting initial findings.

Note that results can be inaccurate, especially for flows in steep areas.

For most accurate results, use Network results objects (2D).

Results Analysis Item:

To store created results analysis objects on top of a set of results, create results analysis item before closing them.

Contains list of point, line, and polygon objects that can be used to interrogate results within 2D mesh.

Two benefits of results analysis item:

Prevents loss of objects when simulation is closed.
Can open same objects in different simulation.

Three images side-by side, with a results section graph on the left, the CSV Export dialog box in the middle, and on the right, the Explorer window, with a results analysis item highlighted.

Flood section window:

Displays ground level and water levels within 2D mesh.

Must have network or simulation open with ground model loaded in GeoPlan window.

Section can be drawn anywhere, in any direction—does not have to follow features of hydraulic model.

ICM interpolates ground level from ground model.

Water level is calculated from water surface generated in river reaches, storage areas, and 2D meshes.

Use to view time-varying results during simulation replay.

Can save and export as DWG file.

Two images side-by-side, with a section drawn in the open simulation on the left, and a red arrow connecting the drawn section to the flood section view on the right, where Export to AutoCAD DWG is selected in the context menu.

Properties and Themes:

Can use to view simulation results containing 2D elements.

Provides two methods for viewing water levels.

2D element theme:

Uses direct results data
Displays only 2D element results

Flood theme:

Used for 1D objects, such as river reaches
Allows you to view water level inside 1D features, while enhancing 2D element display

Ensure only one method is selected, to avoid overlaps.

Element Theme – depth2d:

One 2D element result field is called depth2d.

Access by editing 2D Zone theme.

Image below is numbered to illustrate the following functionality:

Use to theme depth of water and view time-varying depth results (1).
Adjust value categories as appropriate for model and investigations (2).
Assign different colors to show risk threshold levels (3).

In the Layer Theme Editor, settings configured for the depth2d 2D element field, with the Draw Style Preview showing gradient shades of blue becoming darker as depth increases.

Can also use SQLs to round results to 1 or 2 decimal places, or to compare depths between two simulations.

To do this, mesh elements must be identical for both models.

Element Theme – speed2d:

Another 2D element field is called speed2d.

Typically set up as arrow theme and automatically displays direction of flow.

In the Layer Theme Editor, settings configured for the speed2d 2D element field, with the Draw Style Preview showing arrows increasing in length as speed increases.

Use to analyze flooding mechanisms and determine hazard level represented by water.

2D Element Theme:

Use 2D element themes depth2d and speed2d in combination to interpret several different characteristics of water simultaneously.

Example below is numbered to show water pooling (1) and accelerating (2), and where deep water is moving rapidly (3):

A simulation using both depth2d and speed2d, with arrows showing the direction of flow, gradient shades of blue indicating depth; and numbered areas of water pooling, water accelerating, and deep water moving rapidly.

Can export compiled 2D results, along with 1D results, to external GIS or CSV, and use time-varying or maxima results.

Export options can help reduce resource requirements:

Refine selection of tables to export
Pare down size of export files
Add additional fields to results through SQL

Exporting 2D results allows analysis of multiple sets of 2D simulation results outside of ICM.