GMS

3 New Features in GMS 10.5 Beta

By aquaveo on March 18, 2020

We are happy to be announcing the beta release of GMS 10.5! Thanks to the hardworking developers here at Aquaveo there are a number of new and exciting features to this new version.

To name a few, we gathered a list of three new and improved features in GMS 10.5 beta release!

  1. MODFLOW 6 Grid Approach
    Additional functionality has been added for working with MODFLOW 6. A MODFLOW 6 model can now be built in GMS using the grid approach. The new MODFLOW 6 interface uses a simulation approach that is different from the interface for other MODFLOW applications in GMS. This approach also allows for multiple simulations to be included in a single project.
  2. TVM Package
    The TVM package is now available in GMS 10.5 for use with MODFLOW-USG Transport. The Time-Variant Materials (TVM) package allows the changing of hydraulic conductivity and storage values between stress periods. Through a transient simulation, it can also be used to change these parameters in a continuous manner not just in increments between stress periods. This will help display the different changes made to the project over time.
    3. TVM Package in GMS 10.5
  3. Tile map services (TMS) can now be used for import or background image display.
    In this new version of GMS the ability to import TMS into projects needing tile map services has been made available. This provides access to maps that can now be rendered to map tiles at fixed scales. Rather than trying to break down one large image, this helps to be able to view a map in a simpler way. It also helps to be able to pinpoint and save one particular tile of a map in case only that tile is needed as opposed to the entire image.

These are only some of the changes that have been made to the new beta release version of GMS. Explore even more of the changes by downloading GMS 10.5 beta from our downloads page.

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GMS

Tips for Using the Data Calculator in GMS

By aquaveo on February 26, 2020

The Data Calculator in GMS is a powerful tool that allows you to generate new datasets from existing data.

The Data Calculator can be used to to create datasets that show:

  • The difference between model runs
  • The minimum or maximum of two datasets
  • An aquifer's water level
  • And many other applications

To help you get the most out of the Data Calculator, here are some tips for using this tool.

Datasets can be added to the expression by either double-clicking the dataset in the Dataset section of the calculator, or selecting the dataset and using the Add to Expression button. Make certain you are selecting the correct dataset before adding it to the expression.

When adding operators to the expression, be careful. Double-clicking the operator buttons will enter the operator into the expression twice. If this happens, be sure to delete the additional operator before computing the dataset.

Operators in the Data Calculator

Review datasets before using them in the Data Calculator. This can be done before starting the Data Calculator by using any of the available tools in GMS. Once in the Data Calculator, you can review datasets by selecting the dataset and clicking the Dataset Info button.

When adding a dataset to the calculation, either specific time steps can be used or all time steps can be used. When using specific time steps, select the desired time steps before adding the dataset to the equation, or enter the dataset number followed by a colon and the number of the time step.

Using a specific time step is the default option. To use all the time steps, select Use all time steps before adding the dataset to the expression, or enter the dataset number followed by a colon and the word "all".

Now that you know a little more about the Data Calculator, try it out with your projects in GMS today!

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GMS

Using Command Line Switches for the XMS Installer

By aquaveo on February 19, 2020

If you work as a system administrator or in an IT department, you may need to know how to install GMS, SMS or WMS silently or with less visibility. Fortunately, we have a few options for this.

Previously we have discussed performing a silent install of XMS, this article will discuss options that run as command line switches. For example, when running the WMS 11.0.5 installer with no UI, you will enter the command "wms11.0.5full64bit.exe/qn" through cmd.

When installing XMS, you have the following parameters you can set:

full UI: /qf

This is the default parameter used by the installer. This means that the end user will see the full installation wizard the same way they would by running it through Windows Explorer.

reduced UI: /qr The user interface does not show any wizard dialogues.

This is a form of automatic installation that will skip all wizard dialogues, though you will still see a full UI showing that WMS is being installed.

basic UI: /qb Only a progress bar will be shown during the installation

Command line install progress bar

This option is similar to /qr but, instead of showing the full UI from our installer, it shows a progress bar with default Windows installer decorations. This takes less screen real estate while still giving you visibility into the installation process.

no UI: /qn No UI will be shown during the installation.

This option does not show any UI at all, instead opting to run the install progress in the background. This is ideal for if you are installing the software on a computer that's currently in use and don’t want to interrupt the work currently being done.

Current versions of XMS software can be found on Aquaveo's downloads page.

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SMS
WMS

Exploring Hide, Show, and Isolate in GMS

By aquaveo on February 5, 2020

Many projects in GMS can end up being visually busy. Having a large grid and dozens of features can make it hard to see specific areas clearly. To help with this, GMS provides the Hide, Show, and Isolate functions.

How to Hide Cells

This feature allows you to select different project cells and simultaneously hide them from view in the Graphics Window.

  1. Select the individual, or group of cells that need to be hidden.
  2. Once it is highlighted, click the Hide macro in the toolbar, or right-click and select the Hide command.

Remember that when cells are hidden from view this does not mean they have been deleted from your project entirely. Even if they are not visible it is only necessary to select the Show macro on the toolbar and the hidden cells will reappear.

Also, hiding cells does not make those cells inactive. They will still be included in your model run.

How to Show Cells

To reverse the hidden elements, click the Show macro in the toolbar and any hidden cells in your project will reappear. This can be important if you have inherited a project and suspect there are hidden cells.

Isolating Cells

Isolating cells hides cells that are not selected, unlike Hide which hides the selected cells. To isolate cells:

  1. Select the cells in the Graphics Window you wish to isolate.
  2. Once cells are highlighted, select the Isolate macro on the toolbar, or right-click and select the Isolate command.

Using a Polygon

Another option for isolating or hiding cells is to use a polygon in the map coverage. To do this:

  1. Right-click on the selected polygon.
  2. Click Select Intersecting Objects from the menu that appears.
  3. In the Select Objects of Type dialog choose the geometric object to use.
  4. With the cells selected, you can now use the Hide or Isolate function.
Isolating cells using a polygon

Try using the Hide, Show, and Isolate features in GMS today!

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