Visualizing pollutant concentrations

Step-by-step Guide

After running and simulating a pollution scenario in InfoWorks Pro, create graphs and animate a theme to visualize and better understand the results.

1. From the Model Group window, drag-and-drop the Nitrates run into the GeoPlan.
2. In the Tools toolbar, click Graph.
3. From the GeoPlan, select a node immediately downstream of the fixed head control unit.

4. In the Select what to graph for dialog box, select Concentration.
5. Click OK.

The graph shows the concentration jump to 100 at 2:00 on the start date, and then drop back to zero at 6:00 on the same date.

To graph for concentration in the reservoir.

6. From the GeoPlan, select node 544421.
7. In the Select what to graph for dialog box, choose Concentration.
8. Click OK.

This graph shows a sharp increase in nitrate concentration at 2:00 and a more gradual decrease over several days. The concentration levels are much lower than those of the node, because it is being diluted in the volume of the reservoir.

To create a new theme group for a visual representation of how the nitrate pollution spreads and dissipates over the course of the simulation:

9. From the Model Group window, under Theme Groups, drag-and-drop the WQ Contours control theme into the GeoPlan.
10. In the Docking windows toolbar, click Thematic Key window.

11. Optional: In the Thematic Key, right-click Polygons and deselect Display to remove visual clutter.

Note: Depending on the solute data being modeled, you may need to change the scale of values.

12. In the Thematic Key, under Contours, select sim.conc01.

Notice in the Contours: Concentration dialog box, under Ranged Themes, the low end of the scale is already set to 0.

13. In the bottom row of the table, in the Fix column, select the checkbox.
14. In the same row, Value column, enter the value “3”.
15. At the top of the Value column, click AutoScale to scale the values between 0 and 3.
16. Optional: Adjust the fill colors.

17. Click Apply.
18. Click OK.
19. In the GeoPlan Properties and Themes dialog box, click Apply.
20. Click OK.

The network is now overlaid with the contour theme, showing areas of high concentration in orange and areas of low concentration in blue.

21. In the Replay toolbar, click Play to advance the simulation and see how the gradients change over time.

Notice how the nitrate concentrations are higher in high-flow areas of the network, and nonexistent in other areas. As you reach the end of the simulation, the concentration gradually decays before disappearing completely.