In addition to viewing results for the currently selected forecast alternative, it is also possible to view results for other alternatives that are not the current selection. However, those other alternatives are also tracked in the same way as the current forecast alternative to make sure data has not changed and results do not need to be recomputed. If any of the data in a forecast alternative changes, it will have to be recomputed before results can be viewed. Results for other forecast alternatives are accessed from the Watershed Explorer, on the "Results" tab.

To begin viewing results, go to the "Results" tab of the Watershed Explorer and click on the desired forecast alternative icon. If necessary, click on the "Forecast Alternatives" folder to expand it and view the alternative in the project. The forecast alternative icon will be disabled if any data used in the alternative has changed and results need to be recomputed. If any result is open at the time data changes, the affected results will be automatically updated.

Individual Elements

Each element in the basin model used in the forecast alternative is shown in the Watershed Explorer under the forecast alternative node. These elements are listed in hydrologic order. The results for each element are accessed by clicking on its node. The first item listed for each element is the graph; click on the "Graph" node to view the result, as shown in Figure 1. It is exactly the same graph that can be viewed for the current forecast alternative. The information included in the graph varies by element type but always includes outflow. Optional items such as observed flow, computed stage, and observed stage are also included. Similarly, the summary table and time-series table can also be accessed by clicking on the "Summary Table" or "Time-Series Table" node, respectively.

Element Time-Series Preview Graph

All of the time-series data computed by an individual element are available for viewing. The time-series data are listed under each element node in the Watershed Explorer. The first node under each element is the graph, followed by the summary table and time-series table. The remaining nodes for each element represent the different time-series data. Click on a time-series node to preview the data in the Component Editor, as shown in Figure 2. You may select multiple time-series data by holding the shift or control key while using the mouse to click on additional nodes. The selected time-series may come from different elements in the same forecast alternative, or the same element in different alternatives. Results can also be combined from simulation runs, optimization trials, depth-area analyses, and forecast alternatives. The selected time-series data will automatically be partitioned into groups by data type.

Time-Series Tables and Graphs

Preview graphs of selected time-series data can be opened as graphs or time-series tables within the Desktop area. Begin by selecting the time-series you wish to include in the graph or table. Once you have selected the desired time-series, you can press the graph or time-series table buttons on the toolbar. The chosen time-series will be graphed or tabulated.  An example is shown in Figure 3 where results from a forecast alternative with future precipitation (solid blue line) and a forecast alternative with no future precipitation (dashed blue line) are compared against observed data (black line) at the same location for the same time period.

After you have opened a time-series table or graph, you may add additional time-series results. Position the mouse over the time-series result you wish to add to the graph or table. Press and hold the left mouse button and then drag the mouse over the top of the graph or table where you want the result to be added. The mouse cursor will change to indicate which tables and graphs can accept the additional time-series. Release the mouse button while it is over the desired table or graph and it will be automatically updated to show the additional time-series results.

Changing Graph Properties

All of the graphs open with default properties for line color, line style, data symbols, etc. These default properties have been selected to be appropriate for most situations. However, it is possible to customize the properties in a graph. To change the properties, first click on the graph to select it. Next go to the Results menu and select the Graph Properties… command. An editor will open that can be used to change the properties of the selected graph. The properties for each time-series curve can be changed. It is also possible to change the properties for the axis, title, gridlines, patterns, and legend. The editor used to change properties is the same as those used for simulation run graphs shown in Viewing Results for Other Runs.