Using the "Save/Create Time Series" can quickly calculate time series values for active point shapefiles. 

This task will demonstrate creating time series for point samples in the active mapping files.

Check the Active Mapping Files.

  • Open the "MBRFC Precip 1HR Stations" Map Window.
  • In the Project Explorer, right click on the "active mapping files" of the "MBRFC Precip 1HR Stations" Map Window and choose "Select Maps."
  • Uncheck the Basin Average option for the "Sioux_James_HUC8s.shp", only the stations map will be needed to output time series point samples in the ensuing steps.
  • Select "Ok" to close the Select Maps window.
  • Right click on "ASOS_Sioux_James_Stations.shp" and choose "Enable time Series Sampling."
  • This will allow "Save/Create Time Series" to process basin averages for this point shapefile. 
  • Check that the basin average calculation will use "Polygon Avg Method for Grids" in the Mapping Window or inherited through the Project Defaults and/or Session Defaults. 

Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) sites are weather stations that consist of a suite of sensors and instruments that provide continuous, real-time weather data. These sites are a collaborative effort from the National Weather Surface, Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Defense. The stations are primary located at airports and provide observations for wind speed, wind direction, temperature, precipitation type, visibility, and etc. 

Creating Point Sample Time Series.

  • Click in the "MBRFC Precip 1HR Stations" Map Window.
  • Select the "Save/Create Time Series" icon on the tool bar or choose the option from the "File" menu.
  • Check that the Time Series Interval is set to 1 and Hours. 
  • Check that the Data Type is set PER-CUM. 
  • Check the Write to HEC-DSS and the Write to Basin Average Panel options.
  • Save the basin averages to a HEC-DSS file called "Sioux_James_Points_Precip_Basin_Avg.dss" in the "Output" folder. 
  • Select the Compute Entire Timespan and Basin Polygon for the Basin Average Computation Method. 
  • For the HEC-DSS path check Override A: to use "ASOS", select the "Name:  attribute from the B: drop down, type in "Precip" for the C part, and check Override F: to type in "MBRFC Stage IV."
  • Select "OK" and HEC-MetVue will begin calculating the time series precipitation for the subbasins.

HEC-MetVue will compute time series for all the subbasins and point samples of the active mapping files that have been checked for basin averaging. If there are multiple active mapping files that have the checked basin average then HEC-MetVue will calculate the basin averages for all those mapping files and place the time series in the same HEC-DSS file. 

  • The time series will be written to the HEC-DSS file and the Basin Average Panel of the Output Window. 
  • Open the HEC-DSS file to view the time series. 
  • Plot the basin average time series sampled from the stations map. 


  • You have completed this exercise.  You can exit the project and HEC-MetVue.