Modeling Module

The Modeling module includes a set of commands used to create and manage forecasts, adjust model parameters, run simulations, and review the results.

To access the Modeling module, click the Modeling tab in the Watershed Pane, or select the Modeling button from the Modules Toolbar.

Layout

The key components of the Modeling module are illustrated in the figure below.

Time Window Details

The Time Window Details section displays key information about the time window for the active forecast. This includes the forecast time, extract time, start and end times of the forecast, and the time zone being used.

Forecast Run Details

The Forecast Run Details section displays information about the forecast runs available for the active forecast. It includes the names of the forecast runs and the model alternatives linked to each one. For more details, refer to Forecast Run Details.

Forecast Tabs

The Forecast Tabs give you quick access to various commands and processes. There are six tabs: Actions, Reports, Scripts, Icon Layers, Workflow, and Team.

Actions Tab

The Actions tab displays a list of actions relevant to your selection in the Forecast Run Details section. For example, if you select a model alternative (e.g., HMS – Summer), the Actions tab will offer the option to compute that specific model alternative and provide access to editors tailored to the selected model.

By clicking the + icon next to a model alternative, a list of elements specific to that alternative will appear (e.g., source, reservoir, subbasin, etc.). In the example below, a subbasin (Oaks_S10) is selected. After clicking the Edit button in the Actions tab, an editor for that specific element will open, allowing you to modify it directly. This eliminates the need to search the map window for the element, making it easier to make changes.

For additional information on using the Actions tab, see Forecasting with HEC-RTS.

Reports Tab

The Reports tab gives you access to model reports and results based on your selection in the Forecast Run Details section. For example, if you select an HEC-HMS subbasin, you can view the forecast results through graphs, time-series tables, and summary tables.

For additional information on using the Reports tab, see Analyzing Forecast Results.

Scripts Tab

The Scripts tab provides easy access to scripts created for your watershed. These scripts must be developed first before you can customize the tab for your needs. For more information, refer to Scripting.

Icons Layers Tab

The Icon Layers tab provides access to the Time Series Icon Controls, where you can select the Time Series Icon Layer attributes to display within the watershed.

By selecting the attributes, you can customize how time series icons are displayed in the map window. For detailed instructions on configuring the properties that control time series icons, refer to Time Series Icons.

Workflow Tab

The Workflow tab provides specific workflow actions that can be added as individual buttons to streamline forecasting tasks. These actions include general forecast options (such as Compute, Open CAVI Dashboard, or Save to Base) as well as specific actions from plugins (like opening the Combined Parameter Editor in HEC-HMS). The Workflow tab can be customized to include actions for daily tasks, helping structure and improve efficiency during forecast computations. When you first access the tab, it will be empty. You can customize it to include the actions you use regularly, allowing quick access to steps in your forecasting routine.

Team Tab

The Team tab provides access to team forecasting functions, available if the watershed has been configured as a team watershed. For more information, refer to Team Modeling.

Menu Bar Overview

The following is an overview of the Menu Bar when the Modeling module is active. The File, View, Maps, Scripts, Tools, Window, and Help menus are described in detail in the Main Window Overview section. This section focuses on the Forecast menu, which provides tools for creating, managing, running, and reviewing forecasts.

Forecast Menu

• New - Create a new forecast.
• Open - Open an existing forecast.
• Recent - View a list of recently accessed forecasts to open.
• Continue - Resume work on an archived forecast.
• Compute Manager - Run multiple forecast simulations.  
• Run Selector - Add or Remove forecast alternatives in the current forecast.
• Edit Time Window - Modify the time window for the active forecast.
• Information - View details such as name, description, and model alternatives of the active forecast.
• Extract - Execute data extracts from predefined extract groups.
• Post - Post results using predefined post groups.
• Logs
  • Extract Report - Open the extract report log for the active forecast.
  • Post Report - Open the post report log for the active forecast.
  • Compute Log - Open the compute log for the active forecast.
• Close - Close the active forecast.
• Save - Save the active forecast.
• Archive - Archive a saved forecast.
• Delete - Remove a saved forecast.
• Restore - Restore forecasts not associated with the current watershed.
• Default Time Window - Configure default settings for extract period, look-back period, and forecast length.
• Model Linking - Edit model linking for the active forecast.
• Forecast Scheduler - Schedule recurring forecast runs.
• Scheduled Forecast Manager - Edit or delete scheduled forecast runs.

Map Window

The Map Window in the Modeling module displays the model schematic elements for the active forecast in a georeferenced context. These elements provide access to native model dialogs for editing properties and model output for reviewing results. 

It also includes time series icons, which - if properly configured - allow access to model output data. For more information on configuring time series icons, see the Time Series Icons section.