Import a snapshot file or other network data files
Import a snapshot file into a new network, and, by extension, import other network data files.
Tutorial resources
These downloadable resources will be used to complete this tutorial:
Step-by-step guide
Once a network is created and the coordinate system is set, ICM is ready to import network data.
There are many external sources to import network data from, including snapshot files, AutoCAD DWG files, GIS files, CSV files, ESRI geodatabases, and more. Model data files from other programs can also be imported, including InfoDrainage, SWMM and XPSWMM networks, LandXML files, and many more.
Note that when importing third party model data, it is only the object data that is converted, and it may not be possible to convert some objects. Refer to the InfoWorks ICM Help documentation for a comprehensive list of compatible external data sources.
In this tutorial, a snapshot file is used to demonstrate the import process. A model network snapshot file is a .isfm network file that has been exported from an existing network, and it reflects the network as it was at that moment in time. Snapshots can be used to share data with other users. These users can import, and then view and edit the network, and then their changes can be incorporated back into the original if needed, all via snapshots. For example, a user can send a copy of the network to a colleague or consultant, or take a copy of the network into the field, or to another office on a laptop.
Snapshots can be quicker than using a transportable database, but the version history of the objects will not be available when using data imported from a snapshot. They are also limited to the base scenario.
- From the menu bar, select Network > Import > Snapshot file.
- In the Open dialog box, browse to the file to import.
- For this exercise, select the file 1D Sewer Network.isfm.
- Click Open.
- In the Import Snapshot dialog box, further refine the imported data using these options, if needed.
- For this exercise, leave the defaults selected and click Import.
If any errors occur during the import operation, an error message appears. In this case, there are no errors.
The GeoPlan locator map shows the imported data from the network.
- To display the network in the GeoPlan, press F12
OR right-click the GeoPlan and select Zoom to Network.