The first step in developing a terrain data set is to open RAS Mapper.  Opening RAS Mapper is accomplished by selecting GIS Tools from the HEC-RAS main window, then selecting RAS Mapper, or by pressing the RAS Mapper button  on the HEC-RAS main window.  When RAS Mapper is selected, the window shown in Figure 2-1 will appear (the users window may be blank at first). 

Figure 2-1. RAS Mapper with no terrain or other map layers loaded.