Creating a Data Validation List

A Data Validation List provides a simple and efficient way to organize datasets for editing and validation in HEC-RTS.

This guide walks you through the steps to create one for your watershed.

Using Time Series Icons

You can create a data validation list using the datasets linked to the time series icons in your watershed.

1. Launch HEC-RTS and open your watershed.
2. Navigate to the Acquisition tab.
3. From the Edit menu, select Create Validation List.
4. Enter a name for the list and click Save.
5. Click OK to close the confirmation dialog. 

Follow the set of instructions below to edit your list, matching the type of data you want to include.

Using Data Status Lists

You can also create a validation list from an existing data status list:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the <watershed>\shared directory.
2. Locate an existing data status file (.dataStatus) and make a copy of it.
3. Rename the copied file with a .validationEditor extension to create a validation list.

Follow the set of instructions below to edit your list, matching the type of data you want to include.

Editing the Data Validation List

To create a list with revised data only:

1. Open the new .validationEditor file in a text editor.
2. Remove all non-revised records from the list.
3. Make sure each line starts with PRIMARY= so the Data Validation Editor can recognize the records. See the figure below for an example.
   
4. Save the file and close the text editor when you're done. 

To create a comparison list with revised and raw data:

1. Open the new .validationEditor file in a text editor.
2. Include both:
   1. Revised records (add the Primary= prefix)
   2. Raw/original records (do not add the Primary= prefix)
3. After editing the file, it should look similar to the figure below.
   
   1. Keeping both the revised and raw datasets in the list will help you compare them as you identify issues and make edits in the Data Validation Editor.
4. Save the file and close the text editor when you're done.