Changing the type of node that Modelbuilder automatically creates at pipe endpoints


Product(s):StormCAD, SewerCAD, SewerGEMS, CivilStorm
Version(s):08.11.XX.XX, 10.XX.XX.XX
Area:Layout and Data Input

Problem

When importing conduits with Modelbuilder, is there a way to choose what type of node will be automatically created at end-points?

Problem ID#: 43433
Internal reference number: 58954

Solution

Currently Modelbuilder will always create manholes at endpoints in the Storm and Sewer products. You must do one of the following:

In SELECTseries 5 (08.11.05.58 and higher)

Option A

  1. Import the pipes in Modelbuilder with the option set to create nodes (manholes) if none are not found at endpoints. In the last step, choose to create a selection set for created elements.
  2. After the import completes, select the manholes that you would like to Morph. This could be done by double clicking the selection set that Modelbuilder created.
  3. Go to Tools > Batch Morph
  4. Click the "Selection" option to use the selected manholes, then select the node type that you want to convert them to (for example catchbasin, transition).
  5. Click OK and the nodes will be converted.

Option B

Import the nodes before, or along with the pipes. For example, import a point shapefile representing the locations of the non-manhole nodes (such as catchbasins). This way, you can select that node type as the table type for that layer and the nodes will be explicitly imported.

In SELECTseries 4 and earlier

Option A

  1. Import the file through Modelbuilder
  2. Open a Manhole FlexTable and make sure at least the Label field is visible.
  3. Export to Shapefile format using the button in the upper left corner.
  4. Open a Conduit FlexTable and make sure at least the Label, Start Node and Stop node fields are visible (plus any other data you may have entered)
  5. Export to Shapefile format (you may have to shorten some of the label abbreviations)
  6. Select all the manholes and delete them. The attached pipes will be deleted as well
  7. Use ModelBuilder to import the Manhole shapefile, only when you import it, make sure you import them as Catch Basin elements (select catchbasin as the table type)
  8. Also using ModelBuilder, bring the pipes back. Use the Start and Stop node data that you exported in step 5 to re-establish the connectivity. Or, select the "Establish connectivity using spatial data" option with the default tolerance, and the pipes should be connected to the catchbasins.

The ideal solution would be to upgrade to the latest version and use the Batch Morph feature.

Option B

Import the nodes before, or along with the pipes. For example, import a point shapefile representing the locations of the non-manhole nodes (such as catchbasins.) This way, you can select catchbasin as the table type for that layer.

See Also

Morphing Manholes into Catchbasins

Using ModelBuilder to Import External Data