Enhanced Arc Geometry and Vertex Tools 

Creating high-quality geometry is one of the most important steps in building reliable hydraulic and coastal models. To help users better manage geometry, SMS 14.0 introduces important updates to the Redistribute Vertices tool, including a terminology correction and a requested new redistribution option.

Whether you're defining channel banks, levees, shorelines, breaklines, or mesh generation features, the spacing and placement of vertices along arcs can significantly affect the quality of the resulting mesh or grid. These improvements provide users with greater control over arc geometry and help streamline model preparation workflows in the Surface-water Modeling System (SMS).

A Naming Fix for Existing Redistribution Options

One of the updates in SMS 14.0 addresses a long-standing source of confusion in the Redistribute Vertices tool.

Previous versions included a redistribution option labeled Min/Max Redistribution. While functional, the name did not accurately describe how the tool operated. In reality, the option performs a Beginning/End (Beg/End) Redistribution.

This redistribution method applies a bias along the arc, attempting to match a specified spacing at the beginning and end of the arc. The spacing transitions smoothly between the two ends, similar to a straight bias function. Depending on the total arc length and the requested spacing values, it may not always be possible to achieve an exact match at both ends.

By renaming the option to reflect its actual behavior, SMS 14.0 makes it easier for users to understand and select the appropriate redistribution method.

New Insert/Filter Redistribution Option

The most significant enhancement is the addition of a new Insert/Filter Redistribution option. This feature has been requested by users for many years and provides a flexible way to refine or simplify arc geometry.

Insert Vertices

The Insert setting adds new vertices within each segment of an arc.

Examples include:

• Insert 1: Adds one new vertex at the midpoint of every segment.

• Insert 2: Adds two new vertices, dividing each segment into thirds.

• Insert 3: Adds three new vertices, dividing each segment into four equal portions.

This allows users to quickly increase geometric resolution without manually editing individual segments.

Filter Vertices

The Filter setting removes vertices according to a specified pattern.

Examples include:

• Filter 2: Keeps every other vertex while removing the intervening vertices.

• Filter 3: Keeps one vertex and removes the next two in the sequence.

• Higher filter values progressively simplify the arc geometry.

This capability is particularly useful when imported GIS data contains excessive detail that may complicate mesh generation or increase computational requirements.

Why This Matters

Both of these improvements support a common modeling goal: creating geometry that accurately represents important physical features while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

The new Insert/Filter option allows users to quickly densify geometry around critical features or simplify over-sampled datasets. Combined with the clarified Beg/End redistribution option, SMS 14.0 provides more intuitive and powerful tools for preparing feature objects before they are converted into meshes or grids.

Conclusion

The Redistribute Vertices enhancements in SMS 14.0 improve both usability and flexibility. The corrected Beg/End terminology removes ambiguity, while the new Insert/Filter option gives users precise control over vertex density. Together, these updates help modelers build cleaner geometries, generate higher-quality meshes, and spend less time manually editing arcs.

Download SMS 14.0 beta today!