When a watershed is set up as a master watershed, HEC-RTS tracks versions of both the master copy (on the network drive) and the local copy (on your computer).

While the program manages all file versions and changes, it does not monitor edits made within native modeling applications (such as HEC-MetVue, HEC-HMS, HEC-ResSim, HEC-RAS, or HEC-FIA). This means that if you update your local copy using one of these models, HEC-RTS does not detect the change. The version number will remain the same, and the Team Synchronization dialogs will not show that your local files are newer than the master copy, even if they are.

When files are uploaded to the master watershed:

  • The program compares each file's name, size, and checksum to identify changes.
  • If any differences are found, the file is updated on the master watershed.

During a download:

  • The program checks the version number of your local files against the master.
  • If version numbers differ, HEC-RTS updates all files that have been revised between your version and the latest master version.

Tracking File Versions

Master Watershed Version Files

When a file is uploaded to the master watershed, HEC-RTS creates special version tracking files:

  • Each folder (main directory and subfolders) contains a file named .block.revision.dss.
  • This file logs:
    • The names of changed files
    • The user who performed the upload
    • The upload date and time
    • Any comments entered during upload

These .block.revision.dss files exist only in the master watershed. If one appears in a local copy, HEC-RTS may incorrectly identify that local copy as a master, resulting in warnings. To resolve this, delete the .block.revision.dss files from your local folders.

Local Watershed Version Files

HEC-RTS creates version tracking files on your computer when you download updates or upload to the master.

  • Each folder in your local watershed will contain a .block.revision file (note: no .dss extension).
  • These are XML files that store:
    • The last update information for that specific folder
    • Unlike the master’s .dss files, they do not maintain a complete history—only the most recent change

Version Display in the Synchronization Dialog

The Master Watershed Synchronization dialog uses these tracking files to determine version status. When you select a data group (node) in the dialog, it displays:

  • Local and master version numbers
  • Last updated date and time
  • Username of the person who made the last change
  • Status (Current or Out of Date)
  • Comments entered during the last upload

Clicking the History button opens the Revision History dialog, which pulls from the master’s .block.revision.dss file. This dialog shows the full revision history for that data group. You can also:

  • Select two different revisions.
  • Click File Changes to view the differences between them.