ICM SWMM vs. SWMM5
ICM SWMM directly uses the EPA SWMM5 engine, making it functionally equivalent to SWMM5 in terms of calculations and performance[2][5]. It simply provides the SWMM5 engine within the ICM interface and database structure.
ICM InfoWorks Advantages
**Hydraulic Engine Differences**
- ICM InfoWorks uses a 4-point implicit link solution with at least 5 computational points in a link, while SWMM5 uses a link/node solution[1]
- ICM InfoWorks maintains a small base flow in all links, while SWMM5 can simulate truly dry links and nodes[1]
- ICM InfoWorks uses time step halving for non-convergence, which SWMM5 does not employ [1].
Additional Features in ICM InfoWorks
- Version history tracking
- Data flagging capabilities
- Multi-user application support
- Cloud data storage[3]
Model Compatibility
ICM provides comprehensive import/export options:
- Direct import of SWMM5 and InfoSWMM models
- Ability to export to EPA SWMM format
- Enhanced Esri data interoperability [3]
The key point is that ICM offers two distinct simulation engines - the native ICM InfoWorks engine and the integrated SWMM5 engine—allowing users to choose based on their specific needs and requirements[5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.icwmm.org/Archive/2018-C027-08/qa-qc-hydraulic-comparison-of-infoworks-icm-swmm5-and-xpswmm-for-gravity-partial-pressure-and-forc
[2] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/swmm-5-icm-powerful-duo-urban-drainage-modeling-imo-robert-dickinson-sagfe
[3] https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/water/2023/05/10/is-it-time-for-you-to-make-the-switch-from-infoswmm-to-infoworks-icm/
[4] https://www.swmm456.com/2023/05/rdii-or-rtk-uhs-in-sim-and-swmmsim.html
[5] https://www.autodesk.com/blogs/water/2024/06/11/does-infoworks-icm-use-the-swmm-engine-yes-heres-everything-else-you-need-to-know/
[6] https://help2.innovyze.com/infoworksicm/Content/HTML/ICM_ILCM/SWMM5_Conversion_Notes%20(SWMM).htm
[7] https://swmm5.org/2017/11/06/infosewer-versus-infoswmm-versus-icm-modeling-categories/
[8] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/swmm5-groundwater-vs-icm-infoworks-ground-model-gim-robert-dickinson-8v5le
[9] https://www.swmm456.com/2023/11/swmm-5-and-icm-swmm-powerful-duo-for.html
