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Importing data into HydroCAD

Although the interactive screens are the best way to enter most data into HydroCAD, there are also a number of capabilities for importing data directly into HydroCAD.

1) Importing older HydroCAD files

To use a project file created by HydroCAD-5 or earlier, select Project|Import|HydroCAD-5 from the main menu.  After selecting the desired project, the data is converted and stored in the current .HCP file format. 

2) Importing hydrograph data from another HydroCAD project

If a watershed is divided into two or more HydroCAD project files, a link can be used to import the final outflow(s) from the upper section of the watershed into the lower section.  Details here.

3) Importing hydrograph data from other programs

A link can be used to import data from a basic text file (.TXT), or from spreadsheet data that has been saved as comma-separated values (.CSV).  Details here.

4) Importing TR-20 data

A TR-20 data file can be converted into a HydroCAD project file by using Project|Import|TR-20 on the main menu.  For details read about TR-20 Data Import.  This capability can also be useful for importing rating tables, rainfall distributions, or any other data that may already be available in TR-20 format. This is a new feature added in HydroCAD 8.5.  HydroCAD-10 also adds the ability to import rainfall data from a WinTR-20 file.

5) Importing data from other H&H programs

Most H&H programs use proprietary file formats, making it impractical to import the data directly into HydroCAD.  However, if you are able to export the data to an intermediate TR-20 file, then you can use  Project|Import|TR-20 to load this data into HydroCAD.

6) Importing tabular watershed data

HydroCAD-10 provides the capability to import complete watershed (subcatchment) data in tabular (CSV) format.  For details click the Help button on the Project|Import|Subcatchments screen.  A corresponding watershed export capability is also available.

7) Importing subarea data from AutoCAD

HydroCAD-10 features direct import of subarea data from an AutoCAD drawing (see the Settings|Watershed screen for details).  Details here.

8) Importing other data

Most HydroCAD data that is entered in tabular format (such as stage-storage tables), can be loaded from a .CSV file using the "Load from File" command on the right-click menu.  For further information, select "Save to File" on an existing table to create a sample .CSV file.

9) Write your own conversion program!

HydroCAD project files are stored in an easy-to-read plain-text format, making it relatively easy to generate a usable file with any programming language.  If you currently have programmatic access to your current data (via a scripting language, Basic, etc.) then you can export the desired data to a HydroCAD project file.  Details here.

Also read about exporting data.

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