StormNET "How to" Help

A set of step-by-step tutorials is provided to help users quickly learn the unique features in STORMNET

How to change the map projection used for a StormNet model?
How to set metric or US customary units?
How to add an image map overlay?

How to create an Underground Storage Unit (SU)?
How to create an Aboveground Storage Unit (SU)?
How to create an in-ground Storage Unit (SU)?
How to create a storage unit riser?

How to create a Roadway Weir and Culvert?
How to add a pump to a StormNet model?
How to model surface water inlets and outlets?
How to create open channels based on ground surface elevations?
How to auto-generate interpolated transects to increase open channel resolution?
How to create a vertical pipe linking a rooftop LID and a rain barrel?

How to use post simulation CAD 3D to visualize StormNet model results?

How to create Low Impact Development (LID) features?
How to create or edit a Low Impact Development (LID) definition?
How to visualize Low Impact Development (LID) designs?
How to visualize Low Impact Development (LID) results after simulating a model?
How to route water from a conveyance system back to a subcatchment/LID?

How to create or edit control rules?
How to set an upstream boundary condition using a surface water or groundwater reservoir?
How to assign spatial infiltration data to subcatchments?

How to load historical daily temperatures into StormNet for use in evaporation calculations?
How to analyze/visualize evaporation?
How to load historical daily precipitation into StormNet?

How to create a storage unit riser in StormNet? Go to Top

In StormNet, a storage unit riser is used to control the depth in a pond and avoid flooding. This object is often the connection between surface water in the pond and routed water in a storm drain network.

Create a storage unit (SU) in StormNet (this can be an irregular storage unit or a predefined open SU like a trapezoidal pond)
Draw Junctions:
1. Draw a riser junction placed inside the SU: Junctions > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click (inside SU)
2. Draw an outlet junction placed outside the SU: Click (outside the SU, adjacent to the riser junction) > Stop Drawing
Set the riser junction properties: Edit Junctions, set riser junction tag to "Circular Riser" or "Square Riser"
Link the SU to the riser junction with one or more weirs or orifices.
1. To link the SU to the riser with a weir: Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Weirs/Spillways > right click
  1. Start Drawing, link SU (click) to riser junction (double click), Stop Drawing
  2. Edit Weir >
    - Set Type (e.g. Trapezoidal)
    - Set Weir Parameters (e.g. Height, Length, and Side Slope)
    - Set inlet offset. This should be between (Max Depth of SU - Weir Height) and Max Depth of SU (e.g. if SU max depth is 10 ft, and Weir Height is 2 ft set inlet offset at 8 to 10 ft)
2. To link the SU to the riser with an orifice: Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Orifices/Gates > click, right click
  i) Start Drawing, link SU (click) to riser junction (double click), Stop Drawing
link riser to outlet junction
a) Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing
i) Link riser junction (click) to outlet junction (double click)
ii) Stop Drawing
Add invert elevations to Nodes from DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the riser in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to create a Roadway Weir and Culvert in StormNet? Go to Top

In StormNet, roadway weirs are often paired with culverts to model large flooding events where water in a surface channel may back up behind a culvert and overtop the road surface.

Draw a junction on either side of the proposed roadway.
1. These junctions will automatically be hidden in CAD once they are connected to a culvert.
Link the Junctions with a Roadway Weir and Culvert
1. Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Weirs/Spillways > right click
  1. Start Drawing, link upstream junction (click) to downstream junction (double click), Stop Drawing
  2. Edit Weir >
    - Set Type: Roadway
    - Set Weir Parameters (e.g. Height, Length, and Side Slope)
    - Set Road Width (this value will be rendered in CAD and should be slightly less than the distance between the junctions).
    - Set inlet offset. This should be between the (Max Depth of the upstream junction - Weir Height) and Max Depth of the upstream junction (e.g. if upstream junction max depth is 10 ft, and Weir Height is 4 ft set inlet offset at 6 to 10 ft)
2. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click
  1. Select Conduit Type: Culverts/Bridges
  2. Start Drawing, link upstream junction (click) to downstream junction (double click), Stop Drawing
Add invert elevations to Nodes from DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the Roadway Weir and Culvert in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to Create an Underground Storage Unit (SU) in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet has several types of pre-defined underground storage units. These include "Underground storage tanks" (a buried horizontal cylindrical tank), "Underground detention systems" (a grid of buried rectangular storage cells), "Underground detention facility horizontal pipes" (buried parallel pipes), and "Underground detention facility horizontal vaults" (buried parallel semicircular vaults).

To create these types of underground storage units:

Select the storage unit type and draw the storage unit footprint
1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Storage Units > click, right click
  1. Select SU Type (e.g. Underground storage tank)
  2. (Optional) click "View Storage Unit Design" to see 3D representation of SU type.
  3. Start drawing, define the footprint by clicking opposite corners of a rectangle
Set storage curve parameters
1. SU geometry is derived from the drawn footprint. Other parameters are different for each type of SU.
2. modify parameters and click "Create Storage Curve"
3. View the storage curve, make additional changes, and click "Save Data"
Add invert elevation to SU from DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the SU in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to Create an Aboveground Storage Unit (SU) in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet has several types of pre-defined aboveground storage units. These include "Water Tower - Spherical Tanks" (a raised spherical tank), "Water Tower - Cylindrical Tank" (a raised vertical cylinder), and "Above ground rain barrel" (ground level cylindrical tank).

To create these types of above ground storage units:

Select the storage unit type and draw the storage unit footprint
a) Hydraulics > Nodes > Storage Units > click, right click
1. Select SU Type (e.g. Water Tower - Cylindrical Tank)
2. (Optional) click "View Storage Unit Design" to see 3D representation of SU type.
3. Start drawing, define the circular SU footprint by clicking the proposed center and edge of the SU.
Set storage curve parameters
1. SU geometry is derived from the drawn footprint/radius. Other parameters are different for each type of SU.
2. modify parameters and click "Create Storage Curve"
3. View the storage curve, make additional changes, and click "Save Data"
Add invert elevation to SU from DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the SU in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to Create an in-ground Storage Unit (SU) in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet has several types of pre-defined in-ground storage units. These include explicitly drawn trapezoidal and irregularly shaped SUs, and functional or custom tabular SUs.

To create a trapezoidal storage unit (SU) in StormNet:
1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Storage Units > click, right click
2. Select SU Type: Trapezoid. (Optional) click "View Storage Unit Design" to see 3D representation of trapezoidal SU.
3. Start Drawing > Click on opposite corners to define rectangular footprint
4. If 'Base Width' or 'Base Height' equals 0.1, reduce 1/slope or max depth until base values are valid.
5. If desired, modify other parameters and click "Create Storage Curve"
6. Click "Save Data" and close the Curve Editor dialog.
To create an irregular storage unit (SU) in StormNet:
1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Irregular Storage Unit > click, right click
2. There are two types of irregular SUs in StormNet.
  1. To draw a typical pond, defined by two or more contour polygons with assigned depths (see "Irregular Pond Design"):
    - Start Drawing
    - Draw two or more concentric polygons to be assigned contour elevations
    - Stop Drawing (This will launch the "Create Storage Curve" dialog)
    - Select "Save as New Storage Curve" (drawn polygons can also be assigned to a previously created irregular SU)
    - Type a name for the new irregular SU to "Enter Curve Name"
    - Click "Submit" (This will launch the "Storage Curve Editor" dialog)
    - If drawn contour elevations are known, enter elevations values to the "Elev." column for each contour.
    - Alternatively, if drawn contour elevations are not known, click "Step 1: Retrieve DEMs". This will pull vertex elevations from the DEM and assign the average value to the "Elev." column.
    - Click "Step 2: Calculate Depth and Volumes" to calculate parameters and update depth-area and depth-volume curve plots.
    - Modify elevations as needed and repeat "Step 2" until the depth-area and depth-volume curves look reasonable (as depth increases both area and volume should also increase).
    - Click "Save" and close the Storage Curve Editor dialog.
  2. To draw a swimming pool, with vertical walls defined by a single polygon with an assigned depth (see "Irregular Swimming Pool Design").
    - Start Drawing
    - Draw a single polygon to define the SU
    - Stop Drawing (This will launch the "Create Storage Curve" dialog)
    - Select "Save as New Storage Curve" (drawn polygons can also be assigned to a previously created irregular SU)
    - Type a name for the new irregular SU to "Enter Curve Name"
    - Select "Irregular Swimming Pool"
    - Enter Depth (the maximum depth of the SU)
    - Click "Submit" (This will launch the "Storage Curve Editor" dialog)
    - If the top or bottom elevation of the SU is known, enter elevations values to the "Elev." column for each contour, making sure that the top contour elevation equals the bottom plus the max depth.
    - Alternatively, if SU elevations are not known,
      - Click "Step 1: Retrieve DEMs". This will pull vertex elevations from the DEM and assign the average value to the "Elev." column for the bottom contour and automatically calculate the top contour elevation based on the previously entered depth.
      - Click "Step 2: Calculate Depth and Volumes" to calculate parameters and update depth-area and depth-volume curve plots.
    - Click "Save" and close the Storage Curve Editor dialog.
Add invert elevation to SU from DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the SU in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to Create Low Impact Development (LID) features in StormNet? Go to Top

Low Impact Development features (LIDs) are used in StormNet to represent green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that help reduce stormwater flowrates and contamination loading. Some examples include green roofs, rain gardens, and pervious pavements. LIDs can be created by 1) choosing a predefined type of LID and assigning it to a whole subcatchment, or 2) creating a subcatchment and then assigning one or more portions as LIDs.

To draw a subcatchment that represents a single LID in StormNet:
1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click
2. From "Select Subcatchment Types" choose an option tagged with (LID)
3. Start drawing
4. Draw polygon to represent the LID (drawing is stopped automatically when polygon is closed)
To modify an LID or add an LID(s) to an existing subcatchment in StormNet:
1. Open the Subcatchment editor
  1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click > Edit SubCatchment > choose the Subcat Id/Name of subcatchment you want to modify, or
  2. Click inside the subcatchment you wish to modify
2. Open the LID tab of the subcatchment editor: Click on "Low Impact Development"
3. If the subcatchment already has LID(s) associated there will be a row for each LID showing the portion of the subcatchment occupied with options to "Edit" or "Delete"
  i) To edit or delete an existing LID, click the corresponding button.
4. To add a new LID to the selected subcatchment:
  1. Click "Add LID Control" to open the LID Usage dialog.
  2. Select from the existing "LID Controls” or click "Edit LID Control" to create a new LID Control.
  3. check "LID Occupies Full Subcatchment", or
  4. Alternatively, choose and enter the LID unit area (in ft2 or m2) and the number of LID units. The percentage of the subcatchment occupied by the LID will automatically be calculated.
  5. Enter additional parameter values and options for the LID. For a detailed description of these fields click the help "?" button in the top right corner of the LID Usage dialog.
  6. To visualize "LID Time Processes" after simulation make sure to check the box "Create detail report file".
5. Click "Save" or "Cancel" to save or cancel the edits or creation of the selected LID and close the LID Usage dialog.
6. In the "Low Impact Development" tab, confirm that the "Total%" in the area column is not greater than 100%.
7. "Save Subcatchment Data" and close the Subcatchment Editor dialog.

How to create or edit a Low Impact Development (LID) definition in StormNet? Go to Top

A LID Control defines the type and specific parameters for each LID used in a StormNet model. For example, the berm height around a rain garden, or the storage properties of an infiltration trench. A user can create multiple LID definitions of the same type with different parameters.

In StormNet, the LID Control Editor is used to create a new LID definition (LID Control), modify the parameters for an existing control (e.g. RainGarden), or delete a LID Control.

Open the LID Control Editor
1. Hydrology > LID Controls > click, right click > Edit LID control, or
2. Go into the Low Impact development tab of the subcatchment editor, choose an LID row and click "Edit" > "Edit LID Control"
Choose to "Edit" or "Add New" from the Edit Mode.
If editing an existing LID Control definition, select a "Control Name", edit the parameters for that LID control, and "Save Record" (note the LID Control Editor has multiple tabs for different types of input parameters).
If adding a new LID Control definition, enter a "Control Name", Choose the "LID Type" to create, edit the parameters for that LID, and "Save Record".
To delete an existing LID Control definition, choose to "Edit", select a "Control Name", and "Delete Selected Record".
After completing the desired changes close the LID Control Editor.

How to visualize Low Impact Development (LID) designs in StormNet? Go to Top

LID subcatchments (subcatchments with 100% area assigned to a single LID), can be visualized explicitly in the StormNet 3D CAD Environment.

The rendered geometry for a given LID is determined by the geometry set in the LID Control (see "How to create or edit a Low Impact Development"), and visualization parameters assigned to the subcatchment.

To assign default elevations to the subcatchment vertices: SIMULATION > Add DEM
To edit the subcatchment visualization parameters in StormNet:
1. Open the Subcatchment editor
  1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click > Edit SubCatchment > choose the Subcat Id/Name of subcatchment you want to modify, or
  2. Click inside the subcatchment you wish to modify
2. Open the visualization tab of the subcatchment editor: Click on "Visualization Parameters"
3. Set or modify the subcatchment visualization parameters:
  1. For subcatchments that represent buildings or green roofs: set the "Height" parameter to the building height
  2. For each vertex, the default DEM Offset is zero (the distance the vertex will be set below or above ground), this can be modified to adjust the subcatchment/LID vertex elevations.
4. Set or modify the texture for the top of the subcatchment:
  1. Next to the "Category for Top", click "Select the Image", this will open the Image Gallery.
  2. Select a Category for the image to use
  3. Click on an image in the selected category to choose it for the top
5. If the subcatchment has a nonzero height, set or modify the texture for the side of the subcatchment:
  1. Next to the "Category for Side", click "Select the Image", this will open the Image Gallery.
  2. Select a Category for the image to use
  3. Click on an image in the selected category to choose it for the side
6. To remove textures from the top or side, click "Remove".
7. "Save Subcatchment Data" and close the subcatchment editor dialog.
Visualize the subcatchment LID in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to visualize Low Impact Development (LID) results after simulating a model in StormNet? Go to Top

There are several tools in StormNet to gain a better understanding of LID processes.

Visualize the water balance summaries for the StormNet model:
1. Visualize the water budget for the whole model: VISUALIZATION > Water Budget > The Whole System
  1. Inspect the "Runoff to LIDs" portion of the chart. The relative width of each link represents the relative amount of water over the simulation period.
2. Visualize the water budget for the water that enters the LIDs in the model: VISUALIZATION > Water Budget > The Low Impact Development System
Visualize the time processes for selected LIDs in StormNet:
1. Prior to running the model simulation, select the LIDs to visualize and make sure "Create detail report file" is checked in the LID Usage dialog.
2. View time processes after running the model simulation: VISUALIZATION > LID Time Processes
3. Choose from the list of LIDs for which detailed report files were created
4. Inspect temporal LID dynamics including flux, water level, and soil moisture.
Look at LID performance summary table in StormNet:
1. REPORT > Result Summary by Categories > LID Performance Summary > Show Summary
2. Inspect LID inputs and outputs for different LIDs summarized over the simulation period

How to route water from a conveyance system (pipe/channel network) back to a subcatchment/LID in StormNet? Go to Top

In some cases a model may require pipes or channels to discharge, "runon", to a downstream subcatchment. This is applicable for situations like sending water through a stormwater drain pipe to a Low Impact Development feature, (LID), or for spreading water on a pervious subcatchment (e.g. grass with high infiltration capacity).

Draw an outfall inside the subcatchment/LID to receive runon: Hydraulics > Nodes> Outfalls > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click (e.g. click at a point to represent the runon location), Stop Drawing
Connect the pipe/channel network to the new outfall with a link:
1. Select a link type to connect the network to the outfall (e.g. a conduit or control structure; Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing)
2. Link the downstream model network node (click) to the outfall (double click)
3. Stop Drawing
4. (Optional) Edit/modify link properties as needed
Assign the outfall to discharge to the subcatchment
1. Open the outfall editor: Hydraulics > Nodes> Outfalls > click, right click > Edit Outfall, or click on the outfall
2. Confirm the Id in the Outfall Editor matches the outfall drawn inside the subcatchment/LID
3. In the "Route To" field, enter the Id of the subcatchment/LID to receive runon
4. Save and close the Outfall Editor
5. After simulating the model, there should now be runon assigned to the subcatchment/LID containing the outfall

How to set metric or US customary units in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet can operate in either metric (meters) or US customary/imperial (feet). Because model objects are associated with scaler values, units must be changed before building a model, or else all existing objects must be manually updated.

To check the units in StormNet click "Unit" on the map toolbar.
To change the unit system
1. Open the Options Editor: Options > click, right click > Edit Options
2. Select an option for "Flow Units"
  1. CFS (cubic feet per second), GPM (gallons per minute), or MGD (million gallons per day) will trigger US customary units (e.g. feet and inches)
  2. CMS (cubic meters per second), LPS (liters per second), MLD (million liters per day) will trigger metric units (e.g. meters and millimeters)

How to change the map projection used for a StormNet model? Go to Top

StormNet models are explicitly georeferenced to a map. By default, the StormNet map is based on the 1984 World Geodetic System (WGS84/EPSG:4326 degrees). The WGS84 projection is globally available, and most accurate close to the equator, with distortion increasing at locations far to the north and south. Users may wish to use alternative or local projections that 1) match a project's other georeferenced files, or 2) use a local projection system. The map projection should be set prior to drawing any objects in a model, otherwise objects will have mixed projections and not be rendered properly. StormNet can automatically assign an alternative local projection in the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) system (a coordinate system that divides the world into sixty north-south zones, each 6 degrees of longitude wide). The user can also enter any custom projection system supported by the Open Layers (OL) mapping system that StormNet uses.

Automatically assign a local UTM projection to a new StormNet model:
1. Before drawing any model features zoom in to the intended model area or location of interest.
2. Option 1: Set the local projection with the map toolbar
  1. Click "Set Projection" on the map toolbar
  2. Click "Yes, reset projection", this launches the New Project dialog
3. Option 2: Set the local projection with the New Project dialog
  1. Open the New Project dialog: FILE > Project Configuration
  2. Click "Use Local Projection"
  3. Click "Yes, reset projection"
4. (Optional) Enter a model title and/or description.
5. (Optional) Check the "Show Current Projection" box, this will display the Projection Name, Proj4 string, and map window coordinates.
6. Click "Submit" to apply and save the new projection system.
Assign a custom projection to a new StormNet model using a Proj4 string:
1. Open the New Project dialog: FILE > Project Configuration
2. (Optional) Enter a model title and/or description.
3. Check the "Show Current Projection" box
  1. Enter the Projection Name, typically the EPSG code for a given projection but any name will do.
  2. Enter the projection Proj4 string, if it is not known, it can do looked up online, or by clicking the "Proj4 Lookup" link.
  3. Enter the approximate location for the model area (Center X in degrees longitude, Center Y in degrees latitude).
4. Click "Submit" to apply and save the new projection system.
5. The zoom level is inherited from the previous map; it may be necessary to pan or zoom to the model location.

How to add an image map overlay in StormNet? Go to Top

Images can be overlayed on the StormNet map to draw model features more accurately and easily, or to provide an alternative map to portray results.

Load and choose an image to overlay in StormNet:
1. Open the Overlay Image to Map dialog: VISUALIZATION > Overlay Image On the Map
2. (Optional) To load a new image: "Choose file" from your local computer and click "Upload". (Note: before uploading, it may be helpful to crop the image so opposite corners fall on visible features or have known coordinates. This will make it easier to georeference).
3. Select an image to overlay on the map from among the uploaded images (This can be the image just uploaded, or an image uploaded previously).
Georeference the selected image in StormNet:
1. Option 1: Use a drawn box as the bounds to overlay an image.
  1. (Optional) Pick the StormNet basemap with features that most closely match those in the overlay image (e.g. experiment with Geo Base Map > "worldImagery" or "satellite_v1")
  2. Select "Overlay image by drawing a box on the map".
  3. Click "Draw Box on the Map"
  4. Click on opposite corners of a rectangle that will be used to overlay the image. Carefully select the corners to match corner features of the basemap.
2. Option 2: Specify corner coordinates as the bounds to overlay an image.
  1. Select "Overlay image using bbox".
  2. (Optional) Extract corner locations by selecting "Get coords for lower left/upper right point" and clicking on the map.
  3. Modify/enter values for the lower left Lon, Lat (x, y), and upper right Lon, Lat (x, y). Coordinates entered must match the map projection used (for the default StormNet map this is WGS84 degrees).
  4. Click "Overlay Selected Image Using Bbox"
Modify, show, hide, or delete image overlays on the map in StormNet
1. Select a georeferenced image from the Displayed Image Layers (<image filename>_imageOverlay)
2. Modify the Image Opacity (0 is completely transparent, 100 is fully opaque)
3. Click "Hide" or "Show" to hide/show the selected image.
4. Click "Hide All" or "Show All" to hide/show all current image overlays.
5. Click "Delete Layer" or "Delete All Layers" to delete the selected overlay, or to delete all overlays.
Close the Overlay Image to Map dialog. This can be reopened at any time to modify image overlay displays (VISUALIZATION > Overlay Image On the Map).

How to add a pump to a StormNet model? Go to Top

Pumps are used to increase the pressure over a connection between nodes in a StormNet model.

Create or identify two nodes to connect with a pump.
1. Nodes can be junctions, storage units, outfalls, etc.
2. Typically, the upstream node will have a lower invert elevation that the downstream node, hence the need for a pump
Draw a pump link between two nodes
1. Start drawing: Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Pumps > click, right click > Start Drawing
2. Click the upstream (inlet) node
3. Double click the downstream (outlet) node
4. Stop drawing: Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Pumps > click, right click > Stop Drawing
Set the pump properties:
1. Open the Pump editor: Hydraulics > Links > Control Structure > Pumps > click, right click > Edit Pump (or click on the pump link).
2. Choose a pump curve (to relate change in head and flow rate), set initial status, and add additional operational rules.
3. Click the help "?" button in the top right corner of the Pump dialog for additional details
4. "Save" and close the Pump dialog
(Optional) Visualize the design in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground

How to create or edit control rules in StormNet? Go to Top

Control rules can be used to set operation rules for StormNet Objects.

To generate a control rule, start by identifying the model objects of interest. This could be:
1. A pump that can be turned on or off.
2. A gated weir, orifice, or outlet.
3. A conduit with a flap gate.
4. etc.
Create a Control Rule (for a pump [initially off] attached to a storage unit (SU) this might be as follows):
1. Open Control Editor: Hydraulics > Controls > Edit Control
2. Enter a Name for the control rule
3. (Optional) open and read the help information for control rules: click help "?" in the top right corner of the Control Editor dialog.
4. Set conditions:
  1. Choose Condition Compare Type, "by value" for a fixed value (like head or flow), or "by expression" to base conditions on another object.
  2. Select conditions from the dropdowns (e.g. "IF NODE-STORAGE [SU object id] DEPTH >= [value]"), then click "+Add Condition"
5. Set actions: (Some details here are still under development)
  1. Choose Action Compare Type, use "compare value" set to a value (like on/off, head, or flow), use "compare timeseries/curve" to set object values to a timeseries or curve, or use "compare PID" to set object values based on Proportional, Integral, and Derivative parameters.
  2. Select actions from the dropdowns (e.g. "THEN PUMP [pump object id] STATUS = ON"), then click "+Add Action"
6. If multiple conditions and actions have been added, they can be shifted up or down to achieve desired priorities.
7. Click "Save" and close Control Editor dialog
Run the Model: SIMULATE > Run Simulation
Look at Control Rule model results in StormNet:
1. Look at timeseries plots for affected objects
  1. Open timeseries plot: VISUALIZATION > Simulation > Basic Model > Time Series
  2. Select the parameter and object(s) of interest (e.g. node or links adjacent to control rule).
  3. Click "Show TimeSeries Plot"
  4. Discontinuities or other evidence of control rule implementation should be apparent.
2. Check the Simulation report to see control rule actions.
  1. Open simulation report: REPORT > Simulation Status
  2. Inspect the "Control Actions Taken" (after "Analysis Options" and just before "Runoff Quantity Continuity").

How to Model Surface Water Inlets and Outlets in StormNet? Go to Top

In the StormNet Digital Twin (3D CAD visualization) there is sometimes a need to end inlet geometry (or start outlet geometry) off center from a surface water feature. For example, representing the outfall to a surface channel at the bank rather than the center of the channel, or a pond outflow from the edge rather than the center. To achieve this effect the user can add a hidden zero resistance "ghost" conduit.

To add a ghost conduit in StormNet:

Identify (or draw) the features being connected with a ghost conduit (for example a junction and an irregular storage unit (SU))
Draw an intermediate ghost node (junction) where you wish the ghost conduit to start/end and the visualized link to end/start:
1. Hydraulics > Nodes> Junctions > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click (e.g. click at the bank of SU), Stop Drawing
2. Hydraulics > Nodes> Junctions > click, right click > Edit Junctions > Select the ghost node just drawn > Set the Tag to "HideIn3D"
3. Save and close Junction Data Editor dialog
Draw the ghost and visualized links:
1. Draw the visualized link (e.g. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing. Link the exterior junction (click) to the ghost junction (double click)).
2. Draw the ghost conduit (e.g. Link the ghost junction (click) to the SU (double click), Stop Drawing).
Set the properties of the ghost conduit to minimize losses:
1. Open the conduit editor: Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Edit Conduits
2. Hide conduit: set Tag to "HideIn3D"
3. Reduce conduit length: set Length to 0.1
4. Reduce conduit friction: set Roughness to 0.00001
5. Save and close Conduit
Add invert elevations from the DEM: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Visualize the objects in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground
1. It may be useful to toggle on and off Transparent checkbox to see all objects.

How to create open channels based on ground surface elevations in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet allows users to draw channels and transects that can be used in combination to create "natural" channel morphology with "irregular" cross sections based on surface elevations (DEM).

Draw channel centerline conduit/link
1. (Optional) Add/change map displays to clearly see features relevant to surface channels
  1. Experiment with basemap imagery (e.g. Geo Base Map > "worldImagery", "world_topo", etc.; useful in creating channels consistent with map features).
  2. Map DEM in the model area (Visualization > Data Mapping > Draw Model Area; useful in creating channels consistent with surface elevations).
2. Draw channel upstream and downstream nodes: Hydraulics > Nodes > Junctions/Outfalls > click, right click > Start Drawing
  1. Click locations to add nodes
  2. Stop Drawing
3. Connect nodes with links: Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing
  1. Click upstream node
  2. Double click downstream node
  3. Stop Drawing
4. (Optional) Split conduit into multiple segments: Hydraulics > Nodes> Junctions > click, right click
  1. Select "conduit splitter" option
  2. Start Drawing
  3. Click (at locations to add junctions and split conduits)
  4. Stop Drawing
(Optional) Draw bank lines (used to automatically assign banks for overbank flow and adjust transect orientation when using auto cross section tool).
1. Draw left bank line: Hydraulics > Bank Lines > click, right click > Left Bankline > Start Drawing > draw along channel left bank (when looking downstream); double click to finish > Stop Drawing
2. Draw right bank line: Hydraulics > Bank Lines > click, right click > Right Bankline > Start Drawing > draw along channel right bank (when looking downstream); double click to finish > Stop Drawing
(Optional) Draw flow paths (used to automatically assign transect center and position nodes when using auto cross section tool).
1. Hydraulics > Flow Paths > click, right click > Start Drawing > draw along channel centerline/thalweg; double click to finish > Stop Drawing
Draw transect(s) for each channel link:
1. Hydraulics > Transects > click, right click > Start Drawing
2. Draw transect(s) from left to right (when looking downstream), and perpendicular to DEM contours if mapped
3. Double click to finish drawing each transect
4. Stop Drawing
Create transect(s) and retrieve elevations: Hydraulics > Transects > click, right click
1. Enter the number of points, "N Points", to be generated along the transect (in addition to transect vertices and intersections; default = 10)
2. Choose whether to "overwrite" any previously created transects
3. Click "Create N Points" (for synthetic models, transect elevations must be entered manually after creating points)
4. (Optional) Inspect/modify transect(s): Hydraulics > Transects > click, right click > Edit Transect

How to auto-generate interpolated transects to increase open channel resolution in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet allows users to increase the accuracy of 1D open channel modeling by automatically creating intermediate channel geometry along a stream/river reach. Intermediate transect locations are derived from drawn "control" transects and will have interpolated or DEM-based elevations. Intermediate conduit and junction locations will be derived from the drawn flow path (if it exists) or from the drawn channel conduit. Intermediate junctions will be assigned elevations based on either DEM with burn depth or simple average of adjacent transect minimums. Intermediate junctions and conduits will inherit parameters from the junction/conduit above the upstream control transect.

Create a channel representation with at least two channel segments/transects (see "How to create open channels..."). Because intermediate transects are added between existing transects, placing "control" transects adjacent to channel reach endpoint nodes will maximize coverage. Make sure to run Create N Points tool to complete the control transect generation.
(Optional) Edit junction/conduit properties above upstream control transect (these are propagated to generated intermediate junctions/conduits).
1. Modify junction properties:
  1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Junctions > click, right click > Edit Junction; or click the junction to edit
  2. Select the junction above the upstream control transect and edit as desired (e.g. set junction depths)
  3. Save and close Junction Editor
2. Modify conduit properties:
  1. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Edit Conduit; or click the conduit to edit
  2. Select the conduit intersecting the upstream control transect and edit as desired (e.g. set conduit offsets to zero)
  3. Save and close Conduit Editor
Interpolate additional transects between existing "control" transects.
1. Open the transect auto generation tool: Hydraulics > Transects > click, right click > Auto Generate Transects
2. Choose Upstream and Downstream Control Transects
  1. Any drawn transect can be used as a control, to use a previously interpolated transect as a control switch its "Created By" attribute to "drawing" in the Transect Editor.
  2. Upstream and downstream control transects must both occur on the same unbranched channel reach.
3. Modify/Enter additional parameter values and options for transect generation. For a detailed description of these fields click the help "?" button in the top right corner of the Auto Generate Transects dialog.
4. Click "Create Transects" and wait for the task to be completed. If creating many transects or using the "DEM" Elevation Option, this may take some time.
(Optional) Revise interpolated transects
1. Modify transect geometry and/or properties:
  1. Open transect editor: Hydraulics > Transects > click, right click > Edit Transect; Select transect Name
  2. Interpolated transects can be used as control transects by changing their Created By attribute from "interpolated" to "drawing"
  3. Modify Station/Elevation values and/or other parameters
  4. Save and close Transect Editor
2. Modify transect positions/shape using the map toolbar
  1. Update transect position: Toolbar ("Select an Object", "Modify Selected Object") > click on and modify transect vertices > toolbar ("Modify Selected Object", "Select an Object")
  2. Update transect stations and elevations: Use either Create N Points (with Overwrite) or set modified transect(s) as controls and run auto generation tool (with overwrite)
3. Delete and redraw transect(s)
  1. Remove transect(s):
    - Toolbar "Select an Object" > click on transect > ("Delete Selected Object", "Select an Object"), or
    - Open transect editor, select transect, and "Remove Transect"
  2. Draw new transect(s)
  3. Create N Points (without overwrite) to create transect(s) and retrieve elevations
  4. If channel burning is required: run auto generation tool (with overwrite)
4. Change the parameters used to generate transects and re-run
  1. interpolated transects in the generation area will automatically be deleted and replaced

How to create a vertical pipe linking a rooftop LID and a rain barrel in StormNet? Go to Top

Links in StormNet can be designed to explicitly connect objects at differing heights. This is an example of connecting a rooftop LID to an above ground rain barrel.

Draw required components (if not already in the model)
1. Draw a green Roof LID
  1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click > select "Green Roof(LID)" > Start Drawing
  2. Draw polygon on map
2. Draw rain barrel storage unit (SU)
  1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Storage units > click, right click > select "Above ground rain barrel" > Start Drawing
  2. Draw circle on map to represent the rain barrel (first click center, second click edge)
  3. Take note of Max Depth, click "Create Storage Curve", "Save Data", and close window.
3. Draw connection nodes
  1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Junctions > click, right click > Start Drawing
  2. Draw two junctions just outside the LID boundary adjacent to the rain barrel
  3. Hydraulics > Nodes > Junctions > click, right click > Stop Drawing
4. Draw pipes
  1. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing
  2. Draw two conduits, one linking the first and second junctions, and one connecting the second junction to the rain barrel
  3. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Stop Drawing
Add DEM to model objects: SIMULATE > Add DEM
Set component properties (as needed)
1. Set LID outlet properties
  1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click > Edit Subcatchment
  2. Select the correct Sucat. Id/Name
  3. Set Outlet Node Type to "junction" and choose first adjacent junction
  4. Choose "Visualization Parameters" tab and check/set Height value (default 100 ft)
  5. Save Subcatchment Data and close window
2. Set conduit pipe diameters, default is 3 ft, but for a small roof drain a value of 0.35 ft (~4 in) is more reasonable.
  1. Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Edit Conduits
  2. For each link connecting the LID to the rain barrel, set Max. Depth (diameter) to 0.35 ft and "Save"
  3. For the link connected to the rain barrel, set the outlet offset to the rain barrel SU max depth, e.g. 12 ft.
3. Set junction max depths and DEM offsets
  1. Hydraulics > Nodes > Junctions > click, right click > Edit Junction
  2. For the first junction
    - Set tag to "HideIn3D"
    - Set DEM offset equal to negative LID height, e.g. -100 ft)
    - Set Max. Depth consistent with conduit diameter (e.g. 0.35 ft)
    - Ensure Initial Depth is less than or equal Max Depth
    - Save
  3. For second junction
    - Set tag to "HideIn3D"
    - Set DEM offset equal to negative rain barrel SU max depth, e.g. -12 ft (can check by hovering over the SU or opening object editor)
    - Set Max. Depth consistent with conduit diameter (e.g. 0.35 ft)
    - Ensure Initial Depth is less than or equal Max Depth
    - Set Surcharge Depth for second junction equal to LID height (e.g. 100 ft)
    - Save
(Optional) Inspect design in 3D CAD: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface structure underground

How to use post simulation CAD 3D to visualize StormNet model results? Go to Top

CAD 3D renderings in StormNet show both structures (pipes, basins, channels, etc.) and water levels. The post simulation rendering can be used to explore how water flows through the stormwater network within a digital twin environment.

Create and run a StormNet model.
1. Make sure to add object elevations to the model: SIMULATE > Add DEM
2. Set object DEM offsets to move objects vertically relative to the DEM (e.g. Hydraulics > Nodes> Junctions > click, right click > Edit Junctions)
3. To check the 3D CAD rendering prior to simulation: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground
4. Set the model reporting time window (The post simulation 3D CAD will show up to 20 frames (as of 2024) distributed evenly through the model reporting period, thus the reporting period should be set to correspond to the time of interest).
  1. Open the Options dialog: Options > click, right click > Edit Options > Dates tab.
  2. Adjust the "Start Reporting" and "End Analysis" dates and times.
  3. Click on the Time Steps tab and check that the "Reporting Step" duration is appropriate for the reporting period.
  4. Save and close the Simulation Options dialog.
5. Run the model simulation: SIMULATE > Run Simulation
View post simulation 3D CAD
1. After simulation is complete, close windows
2. Render 3D CAD: VISUALIZATION > Simulation > Advanced 3D CAD
  1. use "Subsurface Structure Underground" to show the system as designed, or
  2. use "Subsurface Structure Aboveground" to shift subsurface infrastructure above ground for visualization
  3. Note, as of August 2024, the post simulation rendering will be locked above or below ground depending on the option that is first selected. To view the other configuration, the user must re-simulate the model.
3. Rendering progress and error messages will be displayed on the screen. If an issue occurs the process can be stopped: VISUALIZATION > Simulation > Advanced 3D CAD > End the Process
4. Model structures will render fist and display once finished. Water levels will continue being rendered on the server and may take some time to be completed.
5. The user can control the simulated water display in the top right corner of the 3D CAD window.
  1. Using the time dropdown to user can select a particular timestamp
  2. The user may click the "play" button to advance forward from the selected time.
  3. The user may click the "pause" button to stop advancing the results.
  4. The user may click the "stop" button to reset the display to the initial water levels.
6. Like in design view, the 3D CAD rendering can be spatially navigated in several ways (click the help "?" icon in the top right corner for additional documentation):
  1. ) Zoom in and out by scrolling up and down
  2. Rotate the model by clicking and dragging
  3. Pan the model using "shift" + click + drag
  4. Show/hide model elements using the treeview on the left side of the window
  5. Additional viewing options and preset views are available at the top of the 3D CAD window.

How to set an upstream boundary condition in StormNet using a surface water or groundwater reservoir? Go to Top

StormNet uses special types of SWMM outfalls to represent upstream boundary conditions. Unlike typical outfalls that provide a downstream boundary condition where water flows from the model, upstream boundary conditions provide water to the model by satisfying flow or stage conditions.

Draw a Reservoir adjacent to the model: Hydraulics > Nodes>
1. To create a surface water reservoir: Reservoir - SW > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click (e.g. click at a point to represent the reservoir), Stop Drawing
2. To create a groundwater reservoir: Reservoir - Well > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click (e.g. click at a point to represent the well), Stop Drawing
3. Enter water level elevations (stages) -- open the appropriate Reservoir Editor (click the reservoir, or Hydraulics > Nodes> Reservoir > click, right click > Edit Reservoir), and enter water levels as:
  1. Fixed value (single constant value): Select Type "FIXED" and enter a value (water surface elevation consistent with other model features). For Well reservoirs, stage can be entered as either depth to water below ground (DTW), or elevation.
  2. Tidal series (time of day and elevation stage): Select Type "TIDAL" and select the tidal curve to apply. If no appropriate tidal curve exists, the user may create a tidal curve using the Curve Editor (Curves > click, right click > Edit Curves).
  3. Timeseries (paired date time and elevation stage values): Select Type "TIMESERIES" and select the timeseries to apply. If no appropriate timeseries exists, the user may create a timeseries using the Time Series Editor (Time Series > click, right click > Edit Time Series).
Link the reservoir to the model
1. Select a link type to connect the Reservoir to the model (e.g. a conduit or pump; Hydraulics > Links > Conduits > click, right click > Start Drawing)
2. Link the Reservoir (click) to the upstream model node (double click)
3. Stop Drawing
Visualize the reservoir in CAD 3D and refine as needed: VISUALIZATION > Design > Advanced 3D CAD > Subsurface Structure Underground
1. Note, as of August 2024, reservoirs are conceptual features, and while rendered elevations are significant, shapes and sizes are not.

How to load historical daily temperatures into StormNet for use in evaporation calculations? Go to Top

Evaporation can be calculated for daily minimum and maximum temperature data retrieved from the PRISM datasets (https://prism.oregonstate.edu/). The data is available for most models located in the USA. PRISM produces a smooth interpolated dataset based on actual weather and climate data.
To utilize the PRISM temperature data in StormNet:

Start with a fresh map or an existing georeferenced model
Open the Climatology dialog: Climatology > click, right click > Edit Climatology
To load PRISM temperature:
1. Select the Temperature tab.
2. Choose "Select or Upload External Climate File"
3. Click "Load from Server"
4. Confirm the Data Source is set to Prism
5. (Optional) Modify/enter the Start and End dates for the data needed. There is typically a lag for processing PRISM of 6 months to one year before the present. The selected data range should match or overlap the selected simulation period (Options > Dates > Start/End Analysis on).
6. (Optional) Modify/enter the bounding box for the model (this should be automatically populated if there is an active model; the server will use the center to extract temperature data).
7. Enter a File Name for the data on the server ('_temperature.dat' will be appended).
8. Click "Get Data" and wait for the process to be completed.
9. Click "Show Plot" to display the daily minimum and maximum temperature over the period selected. (If plot fails, please try to "Get Data" again with a new file name).
10. Click "Save" to point the model temperature to the file just created.
To assign the temperatures for evaporation
1. Select the Evaporation tab
2. Set Source of Evaporation Rates to "Temperatures"
3. Click "Save" and close the Climatology dialog. This will automatically apply evaporation to subcatchments in the model.
To assign evaporation to a StormNet Storage Units
1. Open the Storage Unit Editor: Hydraulics > Nodes > Storage Units > click, right click > Edit Storage Unit
2. Select the Id of the Storage Unit to which evaporation should be applied
3. Set the Evap Factor. This is the fraction of the potential evaporation that actually occurs, and should be between zero and one.
4. Click "Save" and close the Storage Unit Editor.
To delete or download the extracted PRISM file from StormNet.
1. open the Rain Gage Editor: Hydrology > Rain Gages > click, right click > Edit Rain Gage.
2. Click on the "File Upload" tab.
3. Click "download" or "delete" to save a copy of the file to your local computer or delete the file from the server.

How to analyze/visualize evaporation in StormNet? Go to Top

Run a StormNet Model with evaporations: SIMULATION > Run Simulation
Check the status report: REPORT > Simulation Status. If the model includes evaporation, the "Runoff Quantity Continuity" section will include non-zero "Evaporation Loss" values.
Check the subcatchement summary tables: REPORT > Summary Results > SubCatchment Runoff Summary > Show Summary Results. Inspect the "Tot evap" column.
Check the Water Budget visualizations: VISUALIZATION > Water Budget > The Whole System.
1. "Sub Evaporation (non-LID)" for non-LID Subcatchments areas
2. "LID Evaporation" for Low Impact Development Subcatchments areas
3. "Node Evaporation" for evaporation from Storage Units and other nodes

How to load historical daily precipitation into StormNet? Go to Top

Daily precipitation data from multi-day simulations can retrieved from the PRISM datasets (https://prism.oregonstate.edu/). The data is available for most models located in the USA. PRISM produces a smooth interpolated dataset based on actual weather and climate data.
To utilize the PRISM precipitation data in StormNet:

Start with a fresh map or an existing georeferenced model
If the model does not have a rain gage, add one: Hydrology > Rain Gages > click, right click > Start Drawing > Click in model vicinity > Stop Drawing
Open the Rain Gage dialog: click on the rain gage on the map, or Hydrology > Rain Gages > click, right click > Edit Rain Gage
To load PRISM precipitation:
1. Select the Load from Server tab.
2. Confirm the Data Source is set to Prism
3. (Optional) Modify/enter the Start and End dates for the data needed. There is typically a lag for processing PRISM of 6 months to one year before the present. The selected data range should match or overlap the selected simulation period (Options > Dates > Start/End Analysis on).
4. The location for the rain gage should be automatically populated. The server will use this location to extract precipitation data.
5. Enter a File Name for the data on the server ('_Precip.dat' will be appended).
6. Click "Get Data" and wait for the process to be completed.
To assign the Precipitation to the rain gage
1. Select the Raingage Properties tab
2. Set the Data Source to FILE
3. Make sure the Data File selected matches that created above.
4. Set the Station Id to STA01. (If this option is not available, please return to the Load from Server tab and try to "Get Data" again with a new file name).
5. Set Rain Unit to "IN" for US standard units (e.g. when Options > General > Flow Units: CFS) or "MM" for metric units (e.g. when Options > General > Flow Units: CMS)
6. (Optional) Click "Show Plot" to visualize rainfall
7. Click "Save" and close the Rain Gage dialog.
To delete or download the extracted PRISM file from StormNet
1. open the Rain Gage Editor: Hydrology > Rain Gages > click, right click > Edit Rain Gage.
2. Click on the "File Upload" tab
3. Click "download" or "delete" to save a copy of the file to your local computer or delete the file from the server.

How to assign spatial data to subcatchments in StormNet? Go to Top

StormNet allows users to assign spatial data retrieved from the Magnet servers to subcatchments. As of 9/18/24, this includes infiltration curve number data, derived from land use and soil type. Plans are in place to provide land use, impervious fractions, and groundwater parameters.

Load or create a georeferenced model with at least one or more subcatchments
(Optional) View map layers for model area
1. VISUALIZATION > Data Mapping > Draw Model Area
2. check box to "plot all the derived parameters"
3. Click "Draw Box" and then click opposite corners of the model area to get data for the bounding box
4. Wait for the maps to be created and then visualize parameters of interest (e.g. Landuse - SCS runoff curve number).
Load spatial data
1. Open the spatial data dialog: SIMULATE > Add Spatial Data
2. Select the data to be obtained (e.g. Infiltration)
3. Set the data extraction resolution. (While a single value is assigned to each subcatchment, NX and NY set the number of datapoints in X and Y over the bounding box of the model. These data points are then used to compute values for each subcatchment).
4. Select any subcatchments that should be excluded from the process
5. Click "Get Spatial Data"
Check subcatchments (Optional)
1. Open the Subcatchment editor:
  1. Hydrology > Subcatchments > click, right click > Edit SubCatchment > choose the Subcat Id/Name of subcatchment you want to inspect, or
  2. Click inside the subcatchment you wish to inspect
2. Open the relevant tab of the subcatchment editor: (e.g. Click on "Infiltration/Pollutants/Land Uses")
3. If spatial infiltration was applied to the selected subcatchment:
  1. The "Infil. Method" should be set to CURVE_NUMBER.
  2. The "Curve Number" field should be populated with a reasonable value.

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