HEC-RTS provides several tools that allow you to modify existing stream alignments directly within the map interface. Whether you're correcting geometry, updating stream names, or adjusting network connectivity, these tools give you flexibility to fine-tune the stream network to match your watershed's physical and hydrologic conditions.

You can perform the following editing tasks:

  • Rename a stream element to better reflect naming conventions or model requirements.
  • Edit the element’s description to add or update notes for documentation purposes.
  • Delete a stream element if it is no longer needed in the watershed configuration.
  • Reverse the flow direction of a stream element to correct upstream/downstream orientation.
  • Disconnect a stream element from other elements, either at the upstream or downstream end, to adjust network connectivity.
  • Add, move, or delete vertices to refine the stream’s geometry and alignment within the map view.

Accessing the Shortcut Menu

To access the stream element shortcut menu:

  1. Go to the Setup tab.
  2. Select the Stream Alignment Tool from the map window toolbar.
  3. Right-click on the stream element you want to edit to open the shortcut menu.

Editing a Stream Element Description

The stream editor allows you to edit the stream element description and view the stream stationing and coordinates of the upstream and downstream stream nodes. To edit a stream element description:

  1. From the shortcut menu, select Edit Stream Element.
  2. The Stream Editor dialog will open.
    1. Use the Name drop-down (or forward/back arrow buttons) to select the stream you want to edit.
  3. Edit the description in the Description field.

Renaming a Stream Element

To rename a stream element:

  1. From the shortcut menu, select Rename Stream Element.
  2. The Rename Stream dialog appears.
  3. Enter a new name (required) and an optional description.
  4. Click OK.
  5. A confirmation dialog will appear asking if you want to rename the stream—click Yes.
  6. The Update Measure Stream References dialog will then ask if you want to update references:
    1. Click Yes to update all references to the new name.
    2. Click No to keep existing references unchanged.
  7. In either case, the new name will appear in the map window.

Deleting a Stream Element

To delete a stream element: 

  1. From the shortcut menu, select Delete Stream Element.

  2. A confirmation message will appear - click Yes to proceed.

Reversing Direction of a Stream Element

If you accidentally digitized the stream from downstream to upstream, you can reverse its direction:

  1. From the shortcut menu, select Reverse Direction.
  2. A warning and confirmation dialog will appear - click Yes to confirm.

Disconnecting a Stream Element

You can disconnect a stream element from another element at either the upstream or downstream end:

  1. From the shortcut menu, select Disconnect Upstream or Disconnect Downstream.
  2. The element will be disconnected at the selected end.
  3. In the map window:
    1. The disconnected end will visibly shift away from the junction.
    2. A stream node will remain on the element it was disconnected from.

Adjusting Stream Element Vertices

Once you've established the stream alignment in the watershed, you can further refine it by adding, moving, or deleting vertex points on stream elements. 

Each stream element consists of straight lines connecting these vertex points. When you modify a vertex, the alignment automatically adjusts, connecting the surrounding points with a new straight line. These editing tools allow you to reshape the stream alignment for better accuracy and representation of the actual stream network.

Adding Vertices

To add vertices to a stream element:

  1. Go to the Setup tab and select the Stream Alignment Tool.
  2. Double-click the stream element you want to edit. The element will turn red, and its existing vertex points will appear in blue.
  3. Position your pointer where you want to insert a new vertex.
  4. Hold down the CTRL key and click to place the new vertex.
  5. Repeat as needed to add more vertices.
  6. When finished, double-click anywhere outside the element to finalize your edits and deselect the stream.

Moving Vertices

To move existing vertices: 

  1. Go to the Setup tab and select the Stream Alignment Tool.
  2. Double-click the stream element to activate editing (it turns red, and vertex points appear in blue).
  3. Hover over the vertex point you want to move. When the cursor changes to a plus sign (+), click and drag the vertex to the new position.
    Moving Vertices of a Stream Alignment
  4. Release the mouse button to place the vertex.
  5. Repeat for any additional vertices.
  6. When done, double-click outside the element to finish editing.

Deleting Vertices

To remove vertices from a stream element:

  1. Go to the Setup tab and select the Stream Alignment Tool.
  2. Double-click the stream element to begin editing (it turns red, with vertex points in blue).
  3. Hold down SHIFT + CTRL and click the vertex point you want to delete. The vertex will be removed, and the stream alignment will adjust.
  4. Repeat for any other points you want to delete.
  5. When you're finished, double-click outside the element to complete the changes.