• InfoWater Pro

Understanding scenarios, datasets, and facilities

Describe scenarios and how they are used to explore alternative models, as well as their relationship with datasets and facilities.


00:04

Scenario management allows a hydraulic modeler to analyze and compare

00:08

multiple alternatives based on different features such as demands,

00:12

pump controls or tank sizes.

00:16

Before creating scenarios.

00:17

It is helpful to understand how they work and

00:20

the relationship scenarios have with facilities and datasets.

00:24

You set up scenarios. In the scenario explorer,

00:28

you can open the scenario explorer from the scenario toolbar.

00:32

In the model explorer,

00:34

the current scenario is displayed in the toolbar and

00:37

you can expand the dropdown to change scenarios.

00:41

There is also a scenario folder in the model explorer on the command center tab.

00:46

Here you can access the scenario explorer and

00:48

other related tools such as the dataset manager.

00:53

Data sets are the key component of scenarios and are

00:56

used to represent any differences such as pipe diameter,

00:59

tank size or pump curve.

01:02

You can select datasets for a scenario in the dataset tab of the scenario explorer

01:08

to view clone and create new data sets. You can use the dataset manager.

01:14

Datasets are modified by editing attributes and parameters.

01:19

The dataset you choose to edit depends on the element in property being studied.

01:25

Many single elements.

01:26

For example,

01:27

one junction can have a base data set and a non base

01:30

data set such as a demand set and a firef flow set.

01:35

Most scenarios contain many base data sets which is why

01:38

editing base data sets from the base scenario is recommended.

01:43

A common mistake is editing one non base dataset.

01:46

Then another feature attribute that references a base data set.

01:51

You should understand exactly which parameters are contained in each dataset.

01:56

All scenarios originate from the base scenario

02:00

to understand how this works. Think of the base scenario as a parent scenario,

02:06

child scenarios are created when scenarios are created new or cloned.

02:12

These child scenarios can then either inherit the data set from the

02:15

parent scenario or they can use a scenario specific data set.

02:20

An inherited data set will update automatically in the child's

02:24

scenario to match if the parent's scenario is changed.

02:28

But a scenario specific dataset will not change if the parent scenario is changed,

02:34

child scenarios do not inherit the facility definition

02:38

which always reverts to the active network.

02:41

You can edit the datasets of the active scenario using

02:44

the edit active scenario tool in the scenario explorer.

02:48

However, be aware that the base scenario cannot be edited using this tool.

02:54

The primary purpose of this tool is to allow you to create a new

02:58

data set in a scenario to replace a dataset without needing to change scenarios.

03:04

A scenario may simulate a unique portion of the system or the entire network.

03:10

For example,

03:11

any proposed pipes should not be included

03:13

in a scenario that represents existing conditions

03:17

you can manage which network elements apply to a

03:19

scenario in the facility tab of the scenario explorer,

03:24

these options are available

03:25

active network,

03:27

the active facilities when the scenario is selected will remain active,

03:32

no change is made when switching to the scenario,

03:35

entire network,

03:37

the entire network becomes active. When switching to the scenario,

03:40

this option is best used for an ultimate build out model with no build out alternates

03:45

query set

03:47

the elements that match the query are activated. When switching to the scenario,

03:51

all elements not matching the query are deactivated.

03:55

This selection dynamically includes newly created facilities.

03:59

When the attributes match the query statement.

04:02

In Elle

04:02

selection

04:03

info,

04:04

Water pro remembers what was active and inactive when a

04:07

scenario was last used and reactivates the same features.

04:12

This is best used for scenarios that will

04:14

not require facility changes in the future.

04:18

You can also use the facility panel in the

04:20

info water pro ribbon to manage your facilities.

04:24

The tools in this panel work similarly to the domain tools

04:28

inherited

04:29

the scenario uses the facilities set in the parent's scenario.

04:34

The general tab in the scenario explorer allows you to set

04:37

specific simulation and report options as well as time settings.

04:42

If these parameters are not specified in the scenario explorer,

04:45

the options and settings last selected will be

04:48

displayed when the run manager is opened.

04:51

When setting up a scenario,

04:52

it is important to switch to all the tabs in the scenario

04:55

explorer to make sure that everything is set up how you want.

04:59

In the scenario explorer,

05:01

you can create a batch run to run simulations of multiple scenarios.

05:05

The results of all scenarios simulated in a

05:07

batch can be compared in reports and graphs.

05:11

You can also compare the scenarios themselves to see the differences between them.

Video transcript

00:04

Scenario management allows a hydraulic modeler to analyze and compare

00:08

multiple alternatives based on different features such as demands,

00:12

pump controls or tank sizes.

00:16

Before creating scenarios.

00:17

It is helpful to understand how they work and

00:20

the relationship scenarios have with facilities and datasets.

00:24

You set up scenarios. In the scenario explorer,

00:28

you can open the scenario explorer from the scenario toolbar.

00:32

In the model explorer,

00:34

the current scenario is displayed in the toolbar and

00:37

you can expand the dropdown to change scenarios.

00:41

There is also a scenario folder in the model explorer on the command center tab.

00:46

Here you can access the scenario explorer and

00:48

other related tools such as the dataset manager.

00:53

Data sets are the key component of scenarios and are

00:56

used to represent any differences such as pipe diameter,

00:59

tank size or pump curve.

01:02

You can select datasets for a scenario in the dataset tab of the scenario explorer

01:08

to view clone and create new data sets. You can use the dataset manager.

01:14

Datasets are modified by editing attributes and parameters.

01:19

The dataset you choose to edit depends on the element in property being studied.

01:25

Many single elements.

01:26

For example,

01:27

one junction can have a base data set and a non base

01:30

data set such as a demand set and a firef flow set.

01:35

Most scenarios contain many base data sets which is why

01:38

editing base data sets from the base scenario is recommended.

01:43

A common mistake is editing one non base dataset.

01:46

Then another feature attribute that references a base data set.

01:51

You should understand exactly which parameters are contained in each dataset.

01:56

All scenarios originate from the base scenario

02:00

to understand how this works. Think of the base scenario as a parent scenario,

02:06

child scenarios are created when scenarios are created new or cloned.

02:12

These child scenarios can then either inherit the data set from the

02:15

parent scenario or they can use a scenario specific data set.

02:20

An inherited data set will update automatically in the child's

02:24

scenario to match if the parent's scenario is changed.

02:28

But a scenario specific dataset will not change if the parent scenario is changed,

02:34

child scenarios do not inherit the facility definition

02:38

which always reverts to the active network.

02:41

You can edit the datasets of the active scenario using

02:44

the edit active scenario tool in the scenario explorer.

02:48

However, be aware that the base scenario cannot be edited using this tool.

02:54

The primary purpose of this tool is to allow you to create a new

02:58

data set in a scenario to replace a dataset without needing to change scenarios.

03:04

A scenario may simulate a unique portion of the system or the entire network.

03:10

For example,

03:11

any proposed pipes should not be included

03:13

in a scenario that represents existing conditions

03:17

you can manage which network elements apply to a

03:19

scenario in the facility tab of the scenario explorer,

03:24

these options are available

03:25

active network,

03:27

the active facilities when the scenario is selected will remain active,

03:32

no change is made when switching to the scenario,

03:35

entire network,

03:37

the entire network becomes active. When switching to the scenario,

03:40

this option is best used for an ultimate build out model with no build out alternates

03:45

query set

03:47

the elements that match the query are activated. When switching to the scenario,

03:51

all elements not matching the query are deactivated.

03:55

This selection dynamically includes newly created facilities.

03:59

When the attributes match the query statement.

04:02

In Elle

04:02

selection

04:03

info,

04:04

Water pro remembers what was active and inactive when a

04:07

scenario was last used and reactivates the same features.

04:12

This is best used for scenarios that will

04:14

not require facility changes in the future.

04:18

You can also use the facility panel in the

04:20

info water pro ribbon to manage your facilities.

04:24

The tools in this panel work similarly to the domain tools

04:28

inherited

04:29

the scenario uses the facilities set in the parent's scenario.

04:34

The general tab in the scenario explorer allows you to set

04:37

specific simulation and report options as well as time settings.

04:42

If these parameters are not specified in the scenario explorer,

04:45

the options and settings last selected will be

04:48

displayed when the run manager is opened.

04:51

When setting up a scenario,

04:52

it is important to switch to all the tabs in the scenario

04:55

explorer to make sure that everything is set up how you want.

04:59

In the scenario explorer,

05:01

you can create a batch run to run simulations of multiple scenarios.

05:05

The results of all scenarios simulated in a

05:07

batch can be compared in reports and graphs.

05:11

You can also compare the scenarios themselves to see the differences between them.

Step-by-step:

Scenario Management allows a hydraulic modeler to analyze and compare multiple alternatives based on different features, such as demands, pump controls, or tank sizes. Before creating scenarios, it is helpful to understand how they work, and the relationship scenarios have with facilities and datasets. Scenarios are created and modified using the Scenario Explorer.

To open the Scenario Explorer:

  1. In the Model Explorer, Scenario toolbar, click Scenario Explorer.
  2. OR, the Current Scenario is displayed in the toolbar. Expand the drop-down to change scenarios.
  3. OR, in the Model Explorer, Command Center tab, expand the Scenario folder to access the Scenario Explorer, Dataset Manager, Edit Active Scenario, and Compare Data Scenario.
    The Model Explorer, Command Center tab displaying the available scenario tools

Datasets are the key component of scenarios, and are used to represent any differences, such as pipe diameter, tank size, or pump curve.

To select datasets for a scenario:

  1. Open the Scenario Explorer (see step 1).
  2. Click the Data Set tab.
    The Scenario Explorer with the Data Set tab open

To view, clone, and create new datasets, use the Dataset Manager.

The Dataset Manager

Datasets are modified by editing attributes and parameters. The dataset you choose to edit depends on the element and property being studied. Many single elements (for example, one junction) can have a BASE dataset and a non-BASE dataset, such as a Demand Set and a Fireflow Set. Most scenarios contain many BASE datasets, which is why editing BASE datasets from the BASE scenario is recommended. A common mistake is editing one non-BASE dataset, then another feature attribute that references a BASE dataset. You should understand exactly which parameters are contained in each dataset.

All scenarios originate from the BASE scenario, or parent scenario. Child scenarios are created when scenarios are created new or cloned. Child scenarios can then either inherit the dataset from the parent scenario, or they can use a scenario-specific dataset. An inherited dataset will update automatically in the child scenario to match if the parent scenario is changed. But a scenario-specific dataset will not change if the parent scenario is changed. Child scenarios do not inherit the facility definition, which always reverts to the active network.

A presentation slide illustrating the scenario inheritance rule

To edit the datasets of the active scenario, in the Scenario Explorer, click Edit Active Scenario.

Be aware that the BASE scenario cannot be edited using this tool. The primary purpose of this tool is to allow you to create a new dataset in a scenario to replace a dataset without needing to change scenarios.

A scenario may simulate a unique portion of the system or the entire network. For example, any proposed pipes should not be included in a scenario that represents existing conditions.

To manage which network elements apply to a scenario, in the Scenario Explorer, click the Facility tab.

The Scenario Explorer, with the Facility tab open

  • Active Network - The active facilities when the scenario is selected will remain active. No change is made when switching to the scenario.
  • Entire Network - The entire network becomes active when switching to the scenario. This option is best used for an ultimate build-out model with no build-out alternates.
  • Query Set - The elements that match the query are activated when switching to the scenario. All elements not matching the query are deactivated. This selection dynamically includes newly created facilities when the attributes match the query statement.
  • Intelli-Selection – InfoWater Pro remembers what was active and inactive when a scenario was last used and reactivates the same features. This is best used for scenarios that will not require facility changes in the future. You can also use the Facility panel in the InfoWater Pro ribbon to manage your facilities. The tools in this panel work similarly to the Domain tools.
  • Inherited – The scenario uses the facilities set in the parent scenario.

To set specific simulation and report options as well as time settings, in the Scenario Explorer, click the General tab. If these parameters are not specified in the Scenario Explorer, then the options and settings that were last selected will be displayed when the Run Manager is opened.

The Scenario Explorer, with the General tab open

IMPORTANT: When setting up a scenario, switch to all the tabs in the Scenario Explorer to make sure that everything is set up how you want.

In the Scenario Explorer, you can create a Batch Run to run simulations of multiple scenarios.

The Batch Simulation Manager, with multiple simulations highlighted for a batch run

The results of all scenarios simulated in a batch can be compared in reports and graphs. You can also compare the scenarios themselves to see the differences between them.

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