6.6.7 Import Layer

Use Import Layer to directly import shapefile and assign them to model commands. To use this tool:

1. Click the Import Layer button from the GIS ribbon
2. Choose which Layer the imported layer will be used for
3. Click the button next to the Input Source. In the open window, navigate to the shapefile and add it to Input Source field by clicking Open button or double clicking on the shapefile.
4. Map the attribute names used in the shapefile with the properties name used by the software. For properties listed in the Layer Properties, select from the dropdown list in the Mapped Property to map shapefile attribute with command layer properties. You can also directly type a constant value or string in Customer Value. If there is no mapping, leave the Mapped Property and Customer Value fields empty.

For Boolean parameters or variables, use “true” for true/yes and “false” for false/no.

Use the Auto-Map button to search and map automatically for some properties. However, please note that some mapping may be still missing or not the desired ones after clicking Auto-Map. It’s recommended to double check the mapping before importing layers.

Users can save the mapping to a mapping file by clicking Save button. To use the saved mapping file, click the Load button to load mapping file.

5. Click Import button to import and assign layers.

Please note that the Import Layer tool will assign the shapefile attribute value to command property value based on the mapping. If the mapping for one property is missing, then that property will use the default value by the software. For example, if the Area field is not mapped in the Import Layer window, then the default area will be used.

Another way to create commands using GIS is to use Add Layer tool and Generate selected geometry as…, which is to first add layers and then generate the imported shapes to hydrologic objects. For more information, please refer to: Adding a Layer and Creating Hydrologic Objects with GIS Data