SMS:Highlights
From XMS Wiki - http://wikis.aquaveo.com/xms/
Contents |
Layout
- The project explorer shows data currently loaded in project
- Menu bar depends upon the active module and model
- Edit window show x, y, z, scalar, and vector values
- Edit window values can be edited in some circumstances
- The status window on the bottom of the graphics window shows coordinates and selection information
- Help information is displayed at the bottom of the SMS screen
- Several toolbars are used in SMS. The dynamic tools change based upon the current module.
Modules
- Data is divided into modules based upon the data type
- There is always one active module
- The menus and toolbars are based upon the active module
- The current module may be selected in module bar or by selecting an object in project explorer
Mesh Module
- Used to create, edit, and visualize mesh data
- Also referred to as unstructured grids or finite element meshes
- Meshes defined by nodes and elements
- Several element types are supported
Cartesian Grid Module
- Used to create, edit, and visualize rectilinear grids
- Datasets can have values at cells, corners, and midsides
Scatter Module
- Used to create, edit, and visualize triangulated irregular networks
- DEMs can be read in and converted to TINs
- Filter scatter sets to eliminate redundant data
- Datasets can be interpolated to other modules (meshes, grids, etc)
GIS Module
- Open and visualize GIS data
- Supports ESRI and MapInfo formats
- Uses Mapobjects for ESRI files if available to use ArcGIS visualization options
- GIS data can be converted to feature data (map module)
Map Module/Conceptual Models
- Create and edit GIS like data
- Used to create conceptual models as well as data for other purposes
- Conceptual model is a geometry (mesh/grid) independent representation of the numeric model domain and/or boundary conditions
- Conceptual models can be converted to model geometry and boundary conditions
- Conceptual model makes it easier to create, edit, and alter models
Particle Module
- Visualize particle/path data
- Supports PTM module which computes particle positions through time based upon hydrodynamics and wave effects
Models
- SMS is a graphical interface that supports many numeric models
- The models were developed by government or private entities
- Hydrodynamic models compute water surface elevations and velocities
- Wave models compute wave characteristics
- Genesis is a shoreline model that predicts how the coastline will move based upon long term wave information
- PTM tracks particle positions through time based upon hydrodynamics and wave effects
Generic Model Interface
- Allows creation of a user defined mesh module interface to use SMS with a model not natively supported
- User defines available model parameters and boundary condition options
- User defined interface can be used to build models
- User data is exported into ASCII data that can be read as input for a numeric model
Visualization Tools
Contours
- Visualize scalar datasets
- Linear, color filled or both at the same time
- Variable level of transparency
- Full control of ranges and colors
- Precision control for labels and legends
Vectors
- Visualize vector datasets as arrows
- Constant size or vary by magnitude
- Show just a range of magnitudes
- Color by magnitude
Plots
- 2D plots to visualize results and compare to measured values
- Profile plots view scalar data along an arc
- Time-series plots view scalar, vector, or flux (flowrate) data at a point or across an arc
- Several kinds of plots can be used to compare model results with measured data
Functional Surfaces
- Surface with elevation based upon scalar dataset values
- Very useful for wave models and models with large change in water surface elevation
- Elevations can be exaggerated to better visualize dataset variations
- Surfaces can have a solid color or use color filled contours
- Transparency can be used to allow see through surfaces
Animations
- Several types of avi animations (film loops) can be generated by SMS
- Transient data animation shows model changes through time (contours, vectors, etc)
- Flow trace uses vector data to generate flow paths through the geometry
- Drogue plots use user specified starting locations and show how the particles would flow through a vector field
- Multiple view animations show the data while transitioning between different views
- Plot window animations show plots changing through time
Data Tools
Data Calculator
- Performs mathematical calculations on scalar datasets
- Calculations can include any number of scalar datasets and user supplied numbers
- Useful for computing derived values such as Froude numbers
- Useful for comparing scalar datasets
Create Data Sets
- Automatically generate commonly used datasets
Data Transform
- Data can be scaled, translated, rotated
- Depths/Elevations can be converted back and forth
Coordinate Systems
- Associate a coordinate system with your data
- Convert data from one coordinate system to another
- Coordinate systems include Geographic, UTM, and State Plane coordinate systems
Import Wizard
- Read columnar ASCII data into SMS
- Columns can be fixed width or delimited by specific characters
- Data can be read as mesh, scatter, or map data
Miscellaneous Tools
Image Support
- Multiple images can be read/viewed at the same time
- Many image formats are supported including jpg, tiff, png, Mr. Sid, and ecw
- Images can be geo-referenced to view images along with other data
- Images can be draped over mesh or scatter data
- Image pyramids can be created which improves viewing at various zoom levels
CAD Support
- AutoCAD DXF and DWG files can be read into SMS (support of DGN format is under development)
- Supports up to AutoCAD version 2007
- CAD data is displayed in 3D
- CAD data can be converted to map or scatter data
Export Options
- Graphics window can be copied to the clipboard
- Current view can be exported in KML format for visualization in Google Earth
Meshing Options
- Generating a quality finite element mesh is central to using many SMS models
- Conceptual models make generating meshes easier
- Polygons can use a variety of meshing options to generate triangular or quadrilateral elements
- Polygons can be assigned bathymetry and material information that will be transferred with the mesh
- Scalar paving density generates elements with sizes based upon a size data set allowing for smooth transitions and a large range of element sizes and is particularly useful for coastal and wave models.
- Datasets for scalar paving density can be user defined or generated using the data calculator, the create datasets command, or LTEA (linear truncation error analysis) (ADCIRC)
Import from Web
- Easy to use navigation tool allows user to choose model location
- Image data is downloaded from USGS terraserver
- Image options include aerial photos, topographic charts, and urban (higher resolution color)
Zonal Classification
- Generate a map coverage identifying areas that meet specific requirements
- Requirements can be based upon dataset values such as less than a specific value or based upon materials in an area property coverage
