14.6 Check Files
When the command Write Check Files is specified in the .tcf file and/or .ecf file a number of various 2D, 1D, 1D/2D and 2D/2D check files can be output. At key stages in a model’s development, produce these check files, and check their contents to ensure that the input data are as expected. Note that a number of the check files listed below are only output when the corresponding feature has been used in the simulated model. The attributes of some check files (like that of the _grd_check) may vary depending on the feature used within the model.
Table 14.3 lists the various 2D, 1D, 1D/2D and 2D/2D check files that are available to be output. Links are provided to the TUFLOW Wiki Check Files page which contains detailed descriptions of the files.
Many of the GIS check layers output by TUFLOW may be mapped within GIS to provide a visual representation of how the input data has been interpreted by the model. This often makes it easier and quicker to review a certain aspect of the model rather than individually viewing the attributes of each GIS check layer.
For example, using the styling functionality (thematic mapping) of GIS software, the user could:
- View the spatial distribution of the Soil Infiltration layer (attribute in _grd_check layer).
- View the conveyance of 1D channel layers (attribute in _hydroprop_check layer).
Examples of viewing these check files for different GIS packages are provided via the links below to the TUFLOW Wiki:
Tip: the QGIS TUFLOW Plugin and ArcGIS Toolbox contain an ‘Apply TUFLOW Styles to Open Layers’ tool. This tool automatically styles inputs and outputs, including check layers, greatly enhancing the visual interpretation of the geo-spatial data.