| Product(s): | SewerCAD, SewerGEMS, CivilStorm, StormCAD |
| Version(s): | 08.11.XX.XX and higher |
Is it possible to import or open a competitor product model in SewerGEMS, CivilStorm, SewerCAD or StormCAD? Or export to the formats acceptable by these competitor products ?
A direct import into the OpenFlows product is not available, because it would not be feasible to support the model database format of all versions of all competitor products. So, we rely on standard data exchange formats such as EPA-SWMM INP and LandXML, as a more reliable approach. Therefore it is often a matter of checking what standard formats the competitor product is able to export to. It is also important to understand any assumptions on their export routine (especially in cases where there is no comparable element type to map) so you're aware of what things might be "lost in translation".
SewerGEMS (part of OpenFlows Sewer) and CivilStorm (OpenFlows Storm) both enable you to import SWMM5 and LandXML files. SewerCAD (part of OpenFlows Sewer) and StormCAD (part of OpenFlows Storm) enable you to import LandXML files. The model will first need to be exported from the non-Bentley product to one of these standard formats. The file can then be imported into the OpenFlows application by going to File > Import > LandXML or File > Import > SWMM5 (or in the standard "attach existing model" if working inside ArcGIS). Note that if the competitor product supports a scenario feature, the SWMM5 and LandXML formats would only store one scenario, so you may need to focus on one of those scenarios, or export/import them one by one as separate models, then combine later with Submodels.
Also If you wish to export model data from OpenFlows products back into formats like EPA-SWMM files or Landxml files, this can be accomplished with SewerGEMS and CivilStorm, but StormCAD and SewerCAD only have the LandXML export option (not SWMM INP). If you have StormCAD or SewerCAD and wish to export the data in SWMM file formats and don't have access to SewerGEMS or CivilStorm then please submit the model to Bentley Technical support for help.
Note that some features may not be supported in the SWMM5 file format, so it is important to understand the limitations and the type of data that could be "lost in translation". See: What are the limitations of importing/exporting SWMM5 files?
The user should compare/check the following items:
1) Number of facilities (pipes, wet wells, pumps, manholes, catch basins, catchments, etc.)
2) Total length of pipes, values for pipe roughness
3) Node elevations: Min, Max, Invert, etc.
4) Pump elevations, pump curve --> 1 point, 3 points, multiple...
5) Controls: for SewerCAD models only
6) Patterns: If pattern name is "1", double check the pattern data. Count the total number of patterns and double-check the data.
7) Initial Status: check for pump, pipe and valves at the minimum.
If the non-Bentley application does not support exporting to LandXML or SWMM5 and if you have access to that software, you may be able to export your element data to shapefiles. Export or copy/paste the tabular data like pump curve, demand pattern to spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel. Once you have data in shapefile, DXF, Excel, etc., you can use ModelBuilder (Tools > ModelBuilder) to Import your data into a blank model (or update an existing model). ModelBuilder could also be used to access data stored in other formats such as a database or spreadsheet.
Importing or Exporting to WaterCAD, WaterGEMS, HAMMER from other softwares
What are the limitations of importing/exporting SWMM5 files?
How to convert SewerGEMS element notes to EPA SWMM descriptions