Studio Express will automatically use the rainfall data that is either built-in or added by you. This data is stored internally and works behind the scenes. That is, each time a hydrograph is created or computed, the software uses this rainfall. There’s very little for you to do once it is set up for your locale. This rainfall data is automatically loaded upon each program launch.
The software ships with default data for which is useful while getting to know the program. But eventually you’ll want to setup your own local data. There are two different files it uses:
- IDF Curves – For use in computing flows for the Rational Method and developing Synthetic Design Storms
- Precipitation Data – Used for rainfall totals for use in NRCS-based built-in hyetographs (design storms)
Studio Express automatically manages these files for you in that it opens them upon launch and saves them when exiting if anything has changed. Once you’ve set these up, there’s nothing else you need to do.
These two files should be saved in your Studio Express > Rainfall folder. You may also choose to store them in any other folder you wish. Just be sure that the files can be accessed by your computer when Studio Express launches.
Note that these files (.idf and .pcp) are compatible with other Hydrology Studio software so you are welcome to open those and re-save in the Studio Express Rainfall folder. This may save you some time in setting up your rainfall.
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If you receive the above error message on launch, it means that one of your rainfall files is from an older version and/or may be corrupt. If this happens, open the Rainfall Wizard and take a look at each file, i.e., the IDF curves and Precipitation. Re-save each one. Then exit the Rainfall Wizard. Exit the software and re-start.
All rainfall files are embedded in each project file so it is not necessary, for example, to email an associate, the .stx project file and the associated rainfall files.
The remaining chapters in this section will provide details and procedures for setting up your rainfall.