A Top Ten List of Advantages of InfoSWMM over SWMM 5 (IMO)

Introduction:  I have been working on the various versions of SWMM since 1980 when I was a co-author and co-developer of SWMM3, a co-author and co-developer of SWMM4 in 1988 and a co-developer of SWMM 5 from 2002/2006.   I have worked at Innovyze as a Product Sector Leader since 2008 and have grown to love the power and ability of InfoSWMM and all Innovyze software such as InfoWater, ICM, H2OMap SWMM and InfoSewer.  This blog post explains based on my experience why  InfoSWMM makes you a better modeler or modeller for the SWMM 5 engine rather than just directly using the SWMM 5 engine and GUI available from the USEPA.  I am still an almost daily user of SWMM 5 so I have a constant comparison between the ability of the InfoSWMM Modeling Platform over the SWMM 5 GUI. 

First a  brief Introduction to InfoSWMM or a reminder of the history of InfoSWMM: InfoSWMM for ArcGIS (Esri, Redlands, CA). InfoSWMM  enables engineers to work more efficiently and reliably with very large and complex network models, thanks to improvements in such areas as built-in 64-bit simulation, enhanced water quality modeling, and batch run scenario management using many of the Arc Map tools developed for InfoWater and InfoSewer.. All operations of a typical sewer system — from analysis and design to management functions such as water quality assessment, pollution prediction, sediment transport and deposition, urban flooding, real-time control, and record keeping — are addressed in a single, fully integrated geoengineering environment. The program’s powerful hydraulic and water quality computational engine is based on the current SWMM 5 version, which is endorsed by the USEPA and certified by FEMA.  You can also get almost 24/7 support for InfoSWMM from Innovyze by emailing us at support@innovyze.com 

My Top Ten Reasons for preferring InfoSWMM over SWMM 5 based on my experience: 

These are the top ten expanded reasons I have found over the last ten years for using InfoSWMM over the SWMM 5 GUI. I will start at the beginning that all of these fantastic features in InfoSWMM are due to our wonderful programmers in Monrovia (CA), Broomfield, Denver(CO) and Wallingford (UK).

1. Scenario, Database, and Facility Managers: InfoSWMM allows you to create and manage present and future scenarios. Its facility manager function facilitates the activation and deactivation of network sections, the creation of smaller networks, and selective network simulation for calibration or design purposes.
2. Domain and Selection Sets: InfoSWMM's Domain and Selection Sets are handy tools for editing and creating graphic outputs.
3. Extraction and Data Tools: With InfoSWMM, users have access to over 200 tools for Elevation Extraction, Pond Extraction, Data Inference, Data Connectivity, and more. These tools, based on proven technology and creativity, were developed during the past 22 years of InfoWater development at Innovyze.
4. Arc Map Attribute Table Editing and Layer Properties: InfoSWMM integrates with Arc Map to provide attribute table editing, layer properties customization, and the use of Python scripts in ArcTool Box. Users can also use Arc Map editing tools to alter, edit, or expand their modeling network.
5. Network Element and Output File Database Editing: InfoSWMM enables database editing of network elements and output files in the Attribute Browser, DB Tables, or the Output Report Manager Tables and Graphs.
6. Output Graphs and Map Displays: InfoSWMM comes with various output graphs and map displays, alongside editable DB tables of the SWMM5 engine reports for Subcatchments, Links, Nodes, LID Units for all scenarios, and calibration graphs.
7. Output Relates, Data Base Queries, and Output Statistical Tables: InfoSWMM provides Output Relates, Database Queries, and Output Statistical Tables for up to 500 Network Elements for Continuous Simulations.
8. InfoSWMM Add-ons: InfoSWMM has various add-ons, including InfoSWMM 2D, InfoSWMM SFEM, InfoSWMM CapPlan, InfoSWMM connection to SWMMLive, and InfoSWMM connection to InfoMaster for CAP Planning.
9. Genetic Algorithm Suite Addons: These add-ons are designed for Calibration parameter estimation for different elements such as surface hydrology, subsurface hydrology, infiltration, pumps, wet wells, links, and the RTK parameters in RDII hydrology.
10. Suite Addons for Watershed Generation, Dry Weather Flow Estimation, and Other Functions: There are other Suite Addons that are designed for functions like Watershed Generation, Dry Weather Flow Estimation, Conduit Storage Synthesis, Pond Design Manager, Risk Assessment Manager, Google Earth Net View, InfoSWMM 2D, InfoSWMM Sustain for Green Infrastructure Optimization and Capacity Planning.

In conclusion, InfoSWMM offers many data exchange tools such as ODBC, GIS Gateway, Import, and Export Manager, along with excellent SWMM 5 import and InfoSewer direct import capabilities. It supports importing and exporting from and to various formats like XLS, CSV, Shapefiles, GeoDatabases, and more. It can also import and export models from other products like InfoSewer, InfoMaster Sewer, and InfoWorks_ICM using SWMM5 files, CSV, GeoDatabases, or Shapefiles. All these make InfoSWMM a superior choice over the SWMM 5 GUI.

Introduction: 📘 Ever since 1980, my journey with SWMM has been a thrilling ride 🎢. From co-authoring and co-developing SWMM3, SWMM4 in 1988, to being a part of the SWMM 5 development in the early 2000s, it's been a fulfilling experience. 🌟 Since 2008, my role as a Product Sector Leader at Innovyze has deepened my admiration for powerful tools like InfoSWMM, InfoWater, ICM, H2OMap SWMM, and InfoSewer. 🖥️ This post is a tribute to InfoSWMM's unparalleled capabilities and why it is superior to just using the SWMM 5 engine and GUI from the USEPA. 🚀

Historical Glimpse of InfoSWMM 🕰️: InfoSWMM, integrated with ArcGIS (Esri, Redlands, CA), is a game-changer. 💡 It's a beacon for engineers, offering seamless management of gigantic network models with features like 64-bit simulation, enhanced water quality modeling, and batch run scenario management. 🌍 The platform addresses every operational aspect of a sewer system, from design to analysis, in one integrated environment. Its computational engine, built on the foundation of the current SWMM 5 version, is endorsed by the USEPA and certified by FEMA. ✅

Top Ten Reasons for Preferring InfoSWMM over SWMM 5 🏆:

1. Scenario, Database, and Facility Managers 📂: InfoSWMM's robust framework allows the creation and management of various scenarios. It simplifies tasks like activating/deactivating network sections and even selective simulations.

2. Domain and Selection Sets 🎯: This feature makes editing and graphic output creation a breeze.

3. Extraction and Data Tools 🔧: Over 200 tools, including Elevation Extraction, Data Connectivity, and more, make InfoSWMM incredibly versatile.

4. Integration with Arc Map 🗺️: Attribute table editing, layer properties customization, and the ability to use Python scripts set InfoSWMM apart.

5. Network Editing Abilities 🛠️: From network elements to output files, InfoSWMM offers comprehensive database editing capabilities.

6. Output Visualization 📊: InfoSWMM boasts a variety of output graphs, map displays, and editable DB tables to make sense of complex data.

7. Advanced Analysis Tools 🔍: Output Relates, Database Queries, and Statistical Tables are just the tip of the iceberg.

8. InfoSWMM Add-ons 🧩: Whether it's InfoSWMM 2D, InfoSWMM SFEM, or the InfoSWMM connection to InfoMaster for CAP Planning, the range of add-ons is vast.

9. Genetic Algorithm Suite Addons 🧬: Calibration parameter estimation for various elements becomes effortless with these.

10. Miscellaneous Suite Addons 📦: From Watershed Generation to Green Infrastructure Optimization, these addons cover a broad spectrum.

Conclusion 🌠: InfoSWMM stands out with its plethora of data exchange tools, impeccable import/export capabilities, and compatibility with various formats and products. It's not just about modeling; it's about modeling right. And that's why InfoSWMM is a league above the SWMM 5 GUI. 🚀🌐

#SWMMLive which reads I#nfoSWMM files in a @innovyze #ICM GUI

Mini Slide Show for #SWMMLive which reads I#nfoSWMM files in a @innovyze #ICM GUI pic.twitter.com/R6D7zVChQQ
— Robert E Dickinson (@RDickinson) June 25, 2014

Peaking flow in InfoSewer Steady State applied as Total Flow in an EPS Simulation

One of the advantages of the three Run options in InfoSewer (Bullet 1 in the image) which are Steady Sate, Design and Extended Period or EPS Modeling is that you can use Peaking Flow Factors for the Steady State Loading Manholes (Bullet 2 in the image).  Unfortunately, you cannot use Peaking Factors for EPS simulations which is often a modeling issue.  However, you can copy the Total Flow for each node in the Steady State Output Report and use this Total Flow as an EPS "other" loading (Bullet 3 in the image).  In an EPS Simulation you can use the Advanced Force Main Modeling option and automatically have flow splits for Force Mains and model more complicated Force Main configurations.  If you just simulate the EPS for one hour then you have a quasi steady state simulation with Total Flow (Unpeakable + Peakable) and the Advanced Force Main Solution.

A list of steps you need to take to use the Peak Flow from a Steady State Run in an EPS Simulation include

1.       Use Peaking Factor in InfoSewer for Steady State
2.      Copy Total Loads at Manholes
3.      Use the Total Loads in an EPS simulation
4.      Run the EPS Simulation for a short period of time
5.      If might help to have two scenarios for this copy and pasting
6.      Use the Advanced FM solution for only the EPS Simulation

Peaking flow in InfoSewer Steady State applied as Total Flow in an EPS Simulation

How to make a smaller model out of your larger InfoSWMM or H2OMap SWMM network

How to make a smaller model out of your larger InfoSWMM or H2OMap SWMM network:

•       Make a domain and then an active facility from the domain for your larger network
•       Export the Active Newtork in the current scenario to SWMM 5
•       Import the smaller model from SWMM 5 into a different InfoSWMM model
•       You now have a smaller model in InfoSWMM or H2OMap SWMM.

Steps to Make a Smaller Model from an InfoSWMM or H2OMap SWMM Model

d/D, q/Q for a Link in SWMM 5, InfoSWMM and H2oMap SWMM

d/D, q/Q for a Link in SWMM 5, InfoSWMM and H2oMap SWMM

How do we look at the various measures of "fullness" in a pipe of link in SWMM 5?  Here we look at some graphs from InfoSWMM.

d/D is the pipe depth over the full depth of the link
q/Q is the current link flow over Qfull for the link (Q full is the full flow of a link based on Manning's equation)  This Qfull is based on the bed slope of the link.   You can have a q/Q or q/Qfull greater than 1 if the water surface slope is greater than the bed slope of a link.  This is especially true for flat links where SWMM 5 has a minimum slope of 0.001

The image shown below shoes that at the peak flow in the links is greater than 1 even though the pipe is not full (d/D less than 1) for this model of flat slopes.  Qfull is a comparison metric and not the result of the simulation.  

d/D, q/Q for a Link in SWMM 5, InfoSWMM and H2oMap SWMM

Clouds and Water in NYC via @Boonsri

Clouds and Water in NYC via @Boonsri

#nyc pic.twitter.com/IaVCAe1k75

#clouds pic.twitter.com/KxXQgs9Zcw

#bk bridge pic.twitter.com/xhtq7bdfbP

Urban frogs adapting to Urban Stormwater Networks in Taiwan

Urban frogs adapting to Urban Stormwater Networks in Taiwan

"The frogs have learned to overcome that limitation by calling from within storm drains, since the drains enhance both volume and duration, allowing the frogs' calls to reach receivers both nearby and farther away.

"Concrete drains are miniature canyons, but are not analogous to anything in Mientien tree frog natural habitats," the researchers say. "Therefore, it is interesting to find those frogs preferentially calling in the drains." The frogs have taken the human built environment and turned it into a tool, rather than an obstacle to overcome, allowing their species to survive an environment dominated by our species."

Cool Inlets, Suds, LID Images from Twitter

Come across some different takes on sensitive SuDS inlets and outlets... pic.twitter.com/ly8ruIjU8G
— susdrain @ CIRIA (@Sudsulike) May 17, 2014

KC approach to storm water management. pic.twitter.com/gS1eR9f2ek
— steve sinclair (@stevesinclair52) May 21, 2014

And another one, for all those thinking of retrofitting a rain garden or two... pic.twitter.com/KO6kyPD8H7
— susdrain @ CIRIA (@Sudsulike) May 17, 2014

RT @SuDSWales: Bioretention planter in Llanelli. Part of the @DwrCymru RainScape programme (soon to be on @sudsulike) pic.twitter.com/hPR3wuzX9e
— susdrain @ CIRIA (@Sudsulike) May 15, 2014

KC approach to storm water management. pic.twitter.com/gS1eR9f2ek
— steve sinclair (@stevesinclair52) May 21, 2014

New SWMM 5.1.006 is now available from the EPA Site

New SWMM 5.1.006 is now available from the EPA Site

http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/wq/models/swmm/

with these engine changes

-------------------------
Build 5.1.006 (5/19/2014)
-------------------------

Engine Updates:

1.   The updating of the next time that detailed LID results
     should be written to file during a simulation was modified 
     to avoid an off-by-one error.

2.   The number of decimal places for hourly evaporation written
     to a detailed LID report was increased.
     
3.   The amount of soil water available for evaporation in
     LID units with soil layers wasn't being limited by the
     water remaining below the wilting point.

4.   The equation that computes the rate of water infiltrating
     into permeable pavement LIDs had a misplaced parenthesis.

5.   There was a units conversion error in computing the
     contribution of a pollutant in direct precipitation
     to the water quality on a subcatchment.

Overflow in InfoSewer

"Discover the unique water retention capabilities in InfoSewer 💧🛠️:

• Unlike InfoSWMM, InfoWorks ICM, and InfoWorks CS, InfoSewer maintains its composure under pressure. During Extended Period Simulations (EPS), even when the Hydraulic Grade Line (HGL) kisses the Rim Elevation, no water escapes the chamber and loading manholes. 💦🚫

• However, keep a watchful eye on those Wet Wells! They will release water once filled to the brim. 🌊🕳️

• One critical output parameter to monitor is 'Overflow'. Here's a quick guide:

  • Overflow Equation: Overflow = Flow in Link - Q full for the Link
  • Understanding Overflow:
    • A negative Overflow value signals an unfulfilled pipe; it's not at full capacity based on q/Qfull. 📉
    • A positive Overflow indicates a full house; the pipe has reached its max. 📈
  • Measuring Units: Overflow's units align with the units of Flow in InfoSewer.

Stay in control of your network's flow dynamics with InfoSewer's precision in water management 🔍💡."

What is Overflow in InfoSewer?

SWMM 5 Groundwater and Node Elevation Relationship Options

If you want the SWMM 5 groundwater Subcatchment routing to use the the aquifer water table elevation, the node invert elevation and the depth of water in the receiving water node then you should use values of 0, blank and blank for Surface Water Height, Channel Bottom Height and Water Table Elevation, respectively (Figure 1).  As shown in Figure 2, if the Groundwater starts out at the same elevation as the receiving water node the flow can be both negative and positive into the groundwater comparatments as the depth in the node and the infiltration for the Subcatchment change.

Figure 1. SWMM5 Groundwater Elevations

Figure 2. SWMM 5 Groundwater and Node Elevation Relationship Options

How to Change the Spatial Coordinates in Arc Map for InfoSWMM and InfoSewer

If you have an unknown coordinate system in InfoSewer or InfoSWMM, this is one way to fix the unknown coordinate issue.

Here is how you fix the coordinate issue so you can view your model in Google Maps:

1    1.   Use export manager and save a shape file of your manhole or junction data,
2.      Next (there are a lot of ways to do this) use Arc Map Tools and define the saved shape file as Australian GDA1994 MGA 1956
3.      Now, merge your InfoSWMM Model with the newly created and newly defined Australian GDA1994 MGA 1956 shape file
4.      Next, change the project spatial reference to Australian GDA1994 MGA 1956 and zoom to your layers
5.      You now can have a  background image layer and
6.      You can see the streets next to the inlets of your model in Google Maps.

Arc Map Tools for Defining the Projection of a Shapefile

Release of SWMM 5.1.005

-------------------------
Build 5.1.005 (4/23/2014)
-------------------------

Engine Updates:

1.  A problem with reading hydraulic results from a hot start
    file was fixed.

GUI Updates:

1.  The appearance of the Open File Dialog with preview panel
    was improved.

2.  In the property Editor for storage nodes, the Ponded Area
    property was made read-only since storage nodes are not
    allowed to pond water.

3.  Some issues with pop-up topic windows in the Help file
    being obscured by the main Help window were fixed.

http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/wswrd/wq/models/swmm/#Downloads