Project creation and use in HEC-RPT follows the same procedures as common windows-based software. HEC-RPT can be activated from the Start menu ("Start – All Programs – HEC – HEC-RPT") or by double-clicking on the executable (.exe) file, on any shortcuts that target that executable, or on an existing project file (if the extension “.eco” has been associated with the program). Once the software is activated, project files can be saved, saved as, or new files can be created.
Each project has a user-defined water year. The default water year for HEC-RPT begins October 1 and ends September 30. To change this setting, go to the "Project – Define Water Year…" menu and enter a different start and end date (Figure 5).
Figure 5. Menu option and interface for changing water year.
The basic sequence when making a new project follows: 1) create the systems, 2) define the states, and 3) populate the management recommendations. Historical data can be added to the project to serve in the formulation process at any time. Choice of unit system (English or metric) and numeric precision are set via the "Project – Units" and "Project – Set Decimal Places" menus, respectively (Figure 5). Application messages are accessible via the “Reports – Console Output" menu option.
