XPSWMM Conversion TUFLOW Structure

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When XPSWMM writes its TUFLOW files, it consolidates all the information into a single folder (typically the 2D\Data folder). This is not a standard TUFLOW structure. The standard structure used by the majority of TUFLOW modelers globally includes the following subfolders:

Folder Folder Folder Purpose
TUFLOW Folder Structure.JPG
Folders typically saved to the network within a folder titled TUFLOW
runs TUFLOW Control File(s) (.tcf), the primary file(s) used to run TUFLOW simulations, are saved here.
runs\log TUFLOW simulation log and error/warning message files are written here during a model simulation.
bc_dbase Input boundary condition database(s) and time-series data for 1D and 2D domains are saved here.
model TUFLOW's second level control files (.tgc, .tbc, .tscf, .ecf) are saved here.
model\gis
model\grid
model\mi
model\swmm
GIS layers defining the input spatial datasets are saved here.
Folders typically saved to a computers local drive in a Project folder
results TUFLOW simulation results are written here during a model simulation.
check TUFLOW simulation check files are written here during a model simulation.


To simplify the process of converting the XPSWMM model to the recommended TUFLOW SWMM folder structure, we have created a processing tool. This tool converts the GIS format of the XPSWMM model, creates the recommended TUFLOW folder structure and saves the converted model files to their correct locations. For more information on the processing tool, see Convert TUFLOW Model GIS Format.

  1. Open QGIS. If you do not have QGIS installed:
  2. In QGIS, go to Processing > Toolbox from the top dropdown menu options to open the Processing Toolbox.
  3. Go to 'TUFLOW' in the processing tool list and select 'Convert TUFLOW Model GIS Format'. This opens the dialog shown below.
    • TCF: Click '...' and navigate to the XPSWMM .tcf. This should be located in the 2D\Data folder.
    • Output Vector Format: 'GPKG'
    • Output Raster Format: 'GTIFF'
    • Output Profile: Any option can be used. 'ALL IN ONE' is used in this example for model design consistency with the TUFLOW SWMM Tutorials.
    • Output Folder: Click '...' and navigate to an appropriate location to save your TUFLOW model. In this location, create a new folder called TUFLOW and select it.
    • Advanced Parameters:
    • Tick on 'Write empty files'.
    • Output CRS: Select an appropriate Coordinate Reference System (CRS) for the model.
    • Tick on 'Force TUFLOW Directory Structure'.
    • TUFLOW Directory Structure Settings: Click '...'. Under 'Folder Structure', click the plus button to add a folder. Set 'Key' to swmm, and 'Path' to ./model/swmm.
  4. Click 'Run'.


  5. Inspect the tool output to familiarize yourself with the TUFLOW model structure.