Introduction

In this page we will look at viewing TUFLOW results using SMS 10.1. This allows us to step through each output time and watch the flood as it progresses through the catchment. We will look at both scalar and vector data.

For information on SMS please visit the Aquaveo software website SMS Introduction. If you do not have a licence for SMS a 30 day trial can be obtained. To obtain a trial download the SMS 10.1 (full installation) from here Aquaveo Downloads. After installation, upon starting SMS for the first time select "request evaluation".

Opening Aerials

SMS can handle aerial photos, SMS handles a variety of image formats (such as .ecw, and JPG). Images can be registered within SMS (see SMS tutorials / help for instructions). However, for this tutorial the registered images have been provided.

To open the aerial photo, from the menu toolbars select File >> Open and navigate to the Module_Data Folder. Select the Aerial_Photo_M01.jpg file and select open. This can also be opened by dragging this file from Windows explorer onto the SMS window.

Opening Results

To view results in SMS we need at least two files open. The first is the TUFLOW mesh, this contains information on the location, cells and elevations within the model. This data is contained in a 2D Mesh (.2dm file). Once this has been loaded the TUFLOW results can be loaded, the TUFLOW results can either be in either the .dat (1 results file format per output type) or .xmdf (one output file that contains all of the results).

TUFLOW also writes out a .sup file contains instructions for SMS to open the mesh first and the the TUFLOW results.

To open all of the TUFLOW results from the menu toolbars select File >> Open and navigate to the results directory (for the tutorial model, module 1 this is TUFLOW\Results\M01\2D\ Folder) and open the relevant .sup file. For module 1 this is M01_5m_002.all.sup file. Once opened, the SMS view may (depending on defaults) look something like this. In the upper left is a project explorer, the TUFLOW results should now be listed here in Mesh Data. There should also be a list of available output times (every 5 minutes).

We have a large number of options for viewing results. To change what is displayed in the Map Area open the Display Options Dialogue.
To open the Display Options Dialogue, in the menu items select Display >> Display Options....
TIP: The shortcut key to bring up the Display Options dialogue is Control + D. In the Display Options dialogue, ensure that you are in the 2D Mesh module in the pane to the left. In the 2D mesh tab, you get a list of options ticking the check box will make an item visible. Turn everything off, except for the mesh boundary and the contours.

Viewing Scalar Data

To view the scalar dataset, ensure that the "contour" option is checked as per the image above. In the project window under Mesh Data is a list of the scalar and vector datasets available.

Scalar datasets are indicated by the icon "123" and vector datasets have 2 arrows as the icon. In the image is the full list of datasets for the TUFLOW tutorial model (Module 1).

A number of datasets appear twice, for example Vel M01_5m_002 is available for viewing as a scalar dataset or a vector dataset (see next section).

An _max in the dataset name indicates that this in maximums throughout the simulation. Dep M01_5m_002 contains the time varying data and Dep M01_5m_002_max contains the peak depths.

Select the Dep M01_5m_002 dataset.
In the "Time Steps" window, select a timestep and use the up and down arrows to step through the results.

Contouring Options

There are numerous options for controlling how the scalar results display (colour profile, contour increment, transparency). This is controlled in the Contour tab in the Display Options dialogue. A brief guide is given below, feel free to experiment.

Bring up the Display Options dialogue, and select the "Contour" tab under 2D Mesh.
Under Contour Method select 'Color Fill.
TIP:Normal Linear can be used to display contour lines only, and Color and Linear displays both contour shading and contour lines.

Intensity Ramp

Select a colour ramp to suit

Data Range

Specify a range

TIP:

Viewing Vectors

To turn on the vectors, navigate to the 2D Mesh tab of the Display Options (Display >> Display Options). Check the Vector item, as per the image below.

Select the Vel M01_5m_002 vector item in the project window, scroll through the time steps to view the vectors at each output time.

Vector Display Options

There are numerous option for controlling the size, shape and density of the vectors displayed. This page gives only a brief introduction, users are encouraged to experiment!
To open the vector options, navigate to the Display Options, select the 2D Mesh in the left hand pane, and then select the Vectors tab, as shown in the image below.

In this dialogue you can control:

If the vectors are shown at each cell corner (Display: at each node) or on a regular grid (Display: on a grid).
Vertical offset (Z offset)

Tip a value of greater than 0 ensures the vectors appear on top of the contours.

The data range (use this to restrict values)
Arrow size, this can be fixed length or scale length to magnitude

Tip scale length to magnitude is recommended for most result viewing

Line width
Colour
Arrow head

Set the following (as per the image above):
- Display: to 'at each node
- Shaft length: scale length to magnitude
- Ration: 15
Select Ok

Depth and Velocity at time 1:15

Advanced

For more information on viewing results in SMS, please see the SMS Tips.
For those progressing through the Tutorial Module 1, you can return to the tutorial module here.

View Results in SMS 10.1 Archive

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