AWWA CSC94010

There has been a revolution in user friendly graphical user interfaces for distribution network models in the past few years. In the past, engineers tended to think first of the accuracy, speed and flexibility of the algorithm for doing the calculations. The capability of the algorithm for handling typical hydraulic devices (e.g., pumps, valves, etc.) was also an important consideration. The user interface was very rudimentary and often an afterthought. Input was via a text editor creating an ASCII input data file and output a voluminous tabular listing of results. The result was a laborious and time consuming process for both entering data and interpreting results of distribution network analyses. Clearly, there was a need for more user friendly interfaces to allow the engineer to quickly and easily model and analyze alternatives for planning and expanding water distribution networks. Developers of water distribution network models have responded to this need with various solutions. This paper will examine and compare interfaces developed by several developers and attempt to point out the advantages and disadvantages of each.