Scenarios: A Deep Dive 🌍🔍
In the world of network modeling, scenarios serve as a powerful tool, allowing users to explore multiple variations of a network without the hassle of creating separate branched networks. Imagine having the ability to visualize how different parameters, like pipe sizes or materials, could impact simulations - that's the beauty of scenarios! 🛠️🌐
Navigating the World of Scenarios 🚀🗺️ Though scenarios branch out from a base network, they're unique in that they don't stand alone in the Explorer Window. Instead, they're snugly nested within the base network. You can dive into them by opening the base network and then choosing your desired scenario from the super handy Scenarios Toolbar. 🛠️🔧
Remember, any tweaks or changes you make to the base network will ripple through to the scenarios. 🌊 But, there's a catch! 🎣 If you make changes to a specific field in a scenario, making it differ from its base, then any subsequent tweaks in the base won't reflect in that scenario. It's like they have their own protective bubble! However, if you align the scenario field value back with the base, the connection is restored, and they're in sync again. 🔄💡
Objects that exist in the base network but not in the current scenario appear ghostly, fading into a grey hue on the scenario GeoPlan window. For those who love options, you can choose to display these 'phantom objects' or keep them hidden. 🌫️👻
The InfoWorks ICM Scenarios Toolbar: Your Swiss Army Knife 🪓🔍 This toolbar is packed with features! You can:
- Peek at excluded objects in a grid format. 👀
- Restore a bunch of excluded objects to a scenario in one go. 🔄
- Bring back a select group of excluded objects to a scenario. You can handpick these using the Excluded object select tool or from the Selection menu. 📋✨
A Glimpse into Scenario Creation 🎨🔍 Let's say a new neighborhood is popping up in a town, and you need to figure out how to link it to the existing sewer system. Instead of starting from scratch, scenarios can be your canvas, allowing you to visualize and model different connection options. 🏘️🔗
Here's a little structure breakdown to help you visualize how scenarios are built and interact:
- Scenarios sprout from a base network. Any tweaks to the base will cascade down to the scenarios. 💧🌱
- You can clone scenarios. This is just like a classic Copy/Paste operation on a computer. The copied scenarios are independent and free from the influence of the original. 🖥️📋
- If two scenarios have the same parent, they're like siblings - unique and independent. Tweaks to one won't affect the other. 👫
Crafting Your Scenario 🎨✏️ To breathe life into a new scenario:
- Hit the Create Scenario button on the Scenarios toolbar or venture into the Network menu.
- If you've imported subcatchment data or created it on the Subcatchment Grid Window, your subcatchment might not have boundary details. Fear not! You can either conjure up dummy boundaries or use the Thiessen Polygon method. 🧙📏
- To sketch out dummy boundaries, simply choose 'Subcatchment > Create dummy boundaries' from the Model menu. InfoWorks ICM will then craft circular boundaries for subcatchments lacking boundary info. 🔄🔵
- If you're keen on the Thiessen Polygon method, start by sketching a bounding polygon. Within its confines, subcatchment boundaries will take shape. You can even limit the boundary creation to a select group of nodes! 🎨✨
Scenario Management: Renaming, Deleting, and More! 🔄🗑️✏️ Whether you need to give your scenario a fresh name, delete it, or even promote it to the status of the base network, the process is simple and intuitive. The Scenarios toolbar and Network menu are your go-to destinations for all these tasks. And if you ever find yourself in doubt, the handy Manage Scenarios dialog is there to guide you through. 💼🔧
Scenario Comparison: Spotting the Differences 🧐🔍 Ever wanted to pinpoint the differences between two scenarios or see how a scenario varies from the base network? The Manage Scenarios dialog has got you covered. With just a few clicks, you can generate a detailed report highlighting all the differences. 📊📈
Elevating a Scenario 🌟🚀 If you've crafted a scenario that's pure gold and want it to take the throne as the base network, you can! Use the Reintegrate button, and watch your chosen scenario rise to prominence. Alternatively, you can also duplicate a scenario to create a new base network, which can be especially handy when you want to branch out and explore new possibilities. 🌌🔭
Finishing Touches: Editing Scenario Notes 📝💭 Whether you want to jot down some insights or make changes to existing notes, the Manage Scenarios dialog is your notebook. Dive in, make your edits, save, and you're all set! 📖✍️
