Importing ground models

Any referenced datasets can be downloaded from "Module downloads" in the module overview.

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What do ground models represent in InfoWorks ICM?

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Step-by-step guide

Ground models for use in ICM typically represent the ground surface in the areas covered by a hydraulic model. This can be a single file, or multiple files that can be selected and combined on import.

A range of formats can be imported. This includes LandXML, which allows the exchange of data from other Autodesk products like Civil3D. See the Help file for a detailed list of formats.

To import a ground model—in this tutorial, a 1 meter resolution gridded ground model imported from multiple files:

  1. From the Database, right-click a model group and select Import InfoWorks > Ground model grid > from ground model grid files.

In the InfoWorks ICM interface, the model group shortcut menu with Import InfoWorks selected, Ground model grid selected in the flyout, and from ground model grid files selected.

  1. In the Open dialog box, browse to the location where the exercise files for this tutorial are located.
  2. Expand the Imprt_Ground_Mdls folder.
  3. On your keyboard, press CTRL+A to select all files.
  4. Click Open.
  5. In the Ground model grid dialog box, for the Grid name, enter "1m Ground Model".

The Ground model grid dialog box with the name 1m Ground Model entered and called out, and OK selected.

  1. Click OK.

After the import is complete, the 1m Ground Model is added to the database tree. Note that once a ground model is imported, it becomes a read-only object. If changes or updates are required, a new one must be created.

To load the ground model:

  1. From the Explorer window, drag 1M Ground Model and drop it onto the GeoPlan.

The ground model opened on the GeoPlan, with areas surrounding the model displayed in shades of brown.

The ground model allows the model to be viewed in the context of the surrounding areas.

To unload the ground model from the GeoPlan:

  1. From the Network menu, select Clear ground model.

IMPORTANT: There is a size limit for importing files. If the import fails for a large or very high-resolution ground model, split the file into several smaller ones, and then import.

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