How to import and export controls between models in WaterCAD and WaterGEMS

Product(s): WaterGEMS, WaterCAD, HAMMER
Version(s): 08.11.XX.XX and 10.XX.XX.XX
Area: Modeling

Problem

How can I import and export controls between models in WaterCAD and WaterGEMS?

How can I update existing controls using an Excel spreadsheet?

Solution

Option 1: CONNECT Edition and greater 

Starting with the CONNECT Edition, you now have the ability import and export controls from one project to another. This will save you time in recreating the controls for new projects. 

  • Once you have created controls, control sets , you can export them to a new file which can be saved as .ctl or .txt or as tab delimited excel file. 
  • After exporting save the file to the desired location and then you can import this controls file into a new model or existing model without having to rebuild the controls.

Option 2: 08.09.400.34 through V8i (and for importing controls from a spreadsheet)

In earlier versions, and in cases where your controls are in an external file, you can use ModelBuilder to import them. This involves importing multiple table types with fields mapped appropriately, which can tend to be fairly challenging to achieve. To help make this easier, the below steps involve the use of a template spreadsheet:

1) First, confirm that you have version 08.09.400.34 or later by going to Help > About.

2) Open Windows Explorer and create a folder directly under your C: drive called "Temp", unless it already exists. The path should be C:\Temp\

3) Browse to the folder below that corresponds to the version you have installed.

  • For 08.11.XX.XX, go to "C:\Users\(user name)\AppData\Roaming\Bentley\(product name)\8\ "
  • For 10.XX.XX.XX, go to "C:\Users\(user name)\AppData\Local\Bentley\(product name)\10\ "

This folder should contain a file named "Modelbuilder.xml". This file stores your saved ModelBuilder runs. Backup this file in case you have any that you need to save.

4) Download the following .zip file to the C:\Temp\ folder: http://communities.bentley.com/products/hydraulics___hydrology/m/hydraulics_and_hydrology_gallery/270374

5) There are 3 files inside it. First, extract the two Excel spreadsheet files (IdahoDataSetCollections.xls and IdahoDataSetComponents.xls) to the same folder ("C:\Temp"). Extract the "Modelbuilder.xml" file to the folder mentioned in step 3. If you want to retain the original Modelbuilder.xml file, rename it. Otherwise, overwrite the old "Modelbuilder.xml" file.

6) Open WaterGEMS or WaterCAD and open the model file that contains the controls you want to export.

7) Open ModelBuilder and click the entry called "idahodatasetcomponents". Click the "Sync out" button and acknowledge the summary window. The actual location of the .xml file might need to be redefined. Perform the same sync out operation on the other entry, called "idahodatasetcollections".

8) If you are exporting the controls and want to import them into a different model, then close Modelbuilder in the source file and then open the "destination" file. In this file, please make sure any existing controls, actions, conditions and control sets are deleted. Also make sure that all elements referenced in the source model's controls exist (and match up) in the destination model.

If you want to export the controls to a .xml file to be edited, and want to import/update the changes in that same model, then skip this step.

9) In the destination model, or the model that will be updated, open Modelbuilder and click the "idahodatasetcomponents" entry. Click the "Build model" button and acknowledge the summary window.

10) Click the "idahodatasetcollections" entry and click the "Build model" button again. Note that you may receive some warnings about attributes not being assigned because "reference element "" does not exist". These should probably be OK and are usually due to extra blank entries that you would not want anyway.

11) Open your alternatives manager and open each operational alternative. Map the appropriate control set to each one.

12) Go to the Controls manager and thoroughly examine the control, actions, conditions and control sets tab to ensure that everything imported properly.

Recommended
Related