RIBASIM 70124 Quick Start Module 1 Basics V2

RIBASIM Version 7.01.
24 Quick Start
Module 1 Basics
Virgin River basin
RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics
Virgin River basin
Author(s)
W.N.M. van der Krogt
2 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

6 April 2022
Contents
1 Introduction 4
2 Virgin river basin Case 1.1: Natural flow 5
3 Starting the Program 7
4 Exiting the Program 9
5 Step 1 Define a new river basin model 10
6 Step 2 Open a new empty case 12
7 Step 3 Select scenarios, measures and strategies 14
8 Step 4 Define the simulation period 17
9 Step 5 Design your river basin network schematization 18
10 Step 6 Enter the network node and link model data 30
11 Step 7 Generate overview of data base 37
12 Step 8 Execute the river basin simulation 39
13 Step 9 Evaluate the simulation results 40
14 Step 10 Save simulation case 49
15 Virgin River basin Case 1.2: Irrigation area A 51
A Annex A Model data 65

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1 Introduction
River Basin Simulation Model RIBASIM is a generic model package for simulating the
behaviour of river basins under various hydrological conditions. The model package is a
comprehensive and flexible tool which links the hydrological water inputs at various locations
with the specific water-users in the basin. RIBASIM enables the user to evaluate a variety of
measures related to infrastructure, operational and demand management and to see the
results in terms of water quantity, water quality and flow composition. RIBASIM can also
generate flow patterns which provide a basis for detailed water quality and sedimentation
analyses in river reaches and reservoirs. RIBASIM can be applied on a separate river basin,
a part of a river basin or a combination of river basins.
The procedures describing how to operate the software and the modelling concepts are
outlined in the documentation. The present documentation consists of the documents:
• RIBASIM Version 7.00 User manual, May 2013

• RIBASIM Version 7.00 User manual addendum, May 2013
• RIBASIM Version 7.01 User manual addendum 1, September 2015
• RIBASIM Version 7.01 User manual addendum 2, January 2019
• RIBASIM Version 7.01 User manual addendum 3, July 2021
• RIBASIM Version 7.00 Technical reference manual, December 2008

• RIBASIM Version 7.00 Technical reference manual addendum, May 2013
Beside these manuals there was a need for a document that helps the starting RIBASIM user
step-by-step to setup a model from scratch and that illustrates various options of the
RIBASIM software. This module is part of a set of Quick Start modules as outlined in Table 1
and fills in that need. For additional support RIBASIM instruction videos are available on
VIMEO and on internet page: https://oss.deltares.nl/web/ribasim/downloads and you may
view for frequently asked questions internet page: https://oss.deltares.nl/web/ribasim/faq.
Table 1 RIBASIM Quick Start modules
Module Topics
1 Basics
2 Surface and groundwater reservoirs, and natural lakes
3 Fixed, variable and advanced irrigation
4 Scenarios, measures and strategies
5 Development and adaptation pathways
6 Flow composition and basic water quality
This module 1 consists of 2 exercises related to the successive steps to develop a river basin
model using RIBASIM. Each step is defined, and the required actions are outlined. At each
action the system reaction is described, and the relevant screens are presented to verify your
actions. In this module the actions are described in more detail then in the other modules.
Module 1 is a prerequisite for the other 5 modules.
The aim of module 1 Basics is to get a quick overview of the RIBASIM software components,
its basic features and the user interface, and to learn how to setup a simple model and
analyse the results.

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2 Virgin river basin Case 1.1: Natural flow
We will consider the following simple example river basin called Virgin River basin
consisting of one main river with one tributary. See Figure 1. There are no activities in the
basin. We will simulate first only the natural flow.
Our analysis approach is to setup a simulation case. A simulation case is a combination of

possible (future) conditions in the basin (infrastructure, water use, water supply and water
management). We define one case as the Case 1.1 representing the natural flow of the Virgin
River basin.
The steps you must carry out to complete a simulation case are:
Step 1 Define a new river basin model only at the start of your analysis.
Step 2 Open a new empty case or open an existing case as new.
Step 3 Select scenarios, measures and strategies (management actions)
Step 4 Define the simulation period
Step 5 Design your river basin network schematization
Step 6 Enter the network node and link model (property, object) data
Step 7 Generate the overview of data base
Step 8 Execute the river basin simulation
Step 9 Evaluate the river basin performance
Step 10 Save simulation case
The RIBASIM graphical user interface will guide you thru the different steps.

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Figure 1 Map of Virgin river basin.

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3 Starting the Program
Aim: after installation of RIBASIM on your PC you want to start the RIBASIM program.
User actions System reactions
On your desktop, double click on the RIBASIM start icon RIBASIM title screen appears
(Figure 2). Another RIBASIM – Delwaq icon is also (Figure 3).
present which must be selected if a model is developed
including detailed water quality processes using the
Delwaq model. Here we do not use the Delwaq model.
Or
From the Windows Start menu: RIBASIM title screen appears

• select All Programs (Figure 3).
• select Delft Hydraulics

• select RIBASIM – River basin simulation model
• select RIBASIM 7
Figure 2 RIBASIM start icon.

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Top screen menu
Icon gallery
Figure 3 RIBASIM title screen.

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4 Exiting the Program
Aim: To exit RIBASIM at the title screen (Figure 3).
• double-click on the Exit icon in the icon gallery, or You will return to your
• select at the File-menu at the top screen the item Exit. Windows desktop.

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5 Step 1 Define a new river basin model
Aim: At the RIBASIM title screen we must define a new basin.
Double-click the icon Add basin at Pop-up window for entry of basin name appears
the icon gallery (3). (Figure 4).
Enter the name of the basin “Virgin” -
at the pop-up window (1)
Press OK. Pop-up window to continue with the new added
basin (Figure 5).
Press Yes. Initial Case Management Tool (CMT) screen
appears (Figure 6) (2).
Remarks:
1. The name of the basin must be maximal 8 characters.
2. The initial CMT screen shows a flow chart of 5 task bocks. Each task block represents a
task which must be carried out to finalize a complete simulation case. The arrows
between the task blocks show the sequential order in which the tasks must be carried
out.
3. Later, when you want to continue with an existing basin then you must select icon “Open
and simulate” followed by a selection among the present basins.
4. The new model will be setup for monthly simulation time step (default)).

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Figure 4 RIBASIM title screen to "Add a new basin".
Figure 5 At RIBASIM title screen the pop-up window to continue with the new added basin.
Figure 6 Case Management Tool (CMT) initial screen.

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6 Step 2 Open a new empty case
Aim: open a new empty simulation case at the Case management Tool (CMT) initial screen.
Select at the Case-menu at the top Case Management Tool (CMT) initial screen for an
screen the item New (Figure 7). empty simulation case appears (Figure 8) (1,2,3,4).
Remarks:
1. The color of the task block indicates the status of the task block:
Color of task block Task status

Red Cannot start due to unfinished tasks preceding
Yellow Can start
Green Finished correctly
Purple Still running
2. At the top of the screen you see the default name of the empty simulation case between
brackets. This name is “Default”.
3. Task execution. A task can be activated by double clicking the task bock with the mouse:
the first click will select the task (a double bock line appears) and the second click will
start the execution of the task. The color of the box shows the status of the task. Be aware
that under Windows one window might cover another window(s) (the windows trap!). You
should close all windows before you start another task. Hidden unclosed windows may
slow down the performance of Windows and RIBASIM. You can skip among windows by
pressing the combined Alt- and Tab-keys.
4. Working environment. When you are working under the CMT and are executing the various
tasks all files which are generated by the program components during the session are stored
in the working directory till you save the case under the top screen menu item “Case” and
“Save” or “Save as”. When you save the case then the files are registered permanently
and securely stored in the CMT simulation case data base.

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Figure 7 CMT screen to start with a “New" empty simulation case.
Case name is “Default”
Figure 8 CMT initial screen for empty simulation case, named “Default”.

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7 Step 3 Select scenarios, measures and
strategies
Aim: select the hydrological scenario, climate change scenario, land-use and population
scenario, agriculture scenario, basic water quality scenario and management action
(measures, strategy) to simulate.
Double-click the task block “Select Select scenario pop-up combo box appears
scenarios, measures and strategies”. (Figure 9).
Click on hydrological scenario combo -
box and select Scenario 121 Example
data : T12 for year 1971 – 1980
(Figure 10) (1, 2)
Do the same for the other combo -
boxes and select the scenarios and
management actions as outlined in
Figure 11 (1, 2)
Press OK. Case Management Tool screen with 1 green
task block (Figure 12).
Remarks:
1. You always must select all scenarios and management action. Later at the task block
“Specify simulation control data” you can indicate if you want to simulate the flow
composition or basic water quality as well.
2. All scenarios and management actions have been prepared outside Ribasim (see user
manual attachment).
3. The combo box list all defined scenarios and management actions.
4. Selecting from the drop-down list of scenarios and management actions means a
selection of a directory with the data defining the scenario and management action. The
associated directories for each scenario type and management action are:
Selection options Directory name

Hydrological scenario Hydrolog
Climate change scenario Climate
Land-use and population scenario Landuse
Agriculture scenario Agricult
Management action Actions

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Figure 9 Pop-up combo box for selection of scenarios and measures/strategies.
Figure 10 Combo box for selection of the hydrological scenario.

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Figure 11 Pop-up combo box with the selected scenarios and management actions.
Figure 12 CMT screen after a correct finish of the task block “Select scenarios, measures and strategies”.

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8 Step 4 Define the simulation period
Aim: enter the start date (year, month, day) and the end date (year, month, day) of the
simulation period for which the simulation must be carried out.
Double-click the task block “Specify Pop-up box “Define global RIBASIM
simulation control data”. simulation data” appears (Figure 13).
Enter for Start year, month, day : 1980, 1, 1 Simulation period filled-in form
Enter for End year, month, day : 1980, 12, 31
Press OK (1, 2) Case Management Tool screen with 2
green task blocks.
Remarks:
1. Our simulation time step is here by default monthly (12 timesteps per year). RIBASIM
allows for other timestep sizes like half monthly, decade, weekly and daily.
2. We do not change the default control data like no water quality computation, daily
simulation, use of the initial state data file and initial resetting option. We simulate for one
year only. The simulation period is from 1 January 1980 till 31 December 1980 in monthly
time steps.
3. The “Run definition” and “User name“ may be changed optionally. These data are
included in various output reports.
Figure 13 CMT pop-up screen box to specify simulation period.

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9 Step 5 Design your river basin network
schematization
Aim: enter the network schematization of the Virgin River basin:
• Add the various nodes.

• Connect the various nodes with links.
• Rename the nodes and links.
• Check the node and link names.
• Save the network.
Double-click the task block Edit network and “Edit data” menu box appears (Figure 14).
data base on map.
Click on menu button Edit network and Netter, the interactive network editor, initial
object data screen appears with a default basin network
(Figure 15).
Click on the top-screen Edit network button The node and link types, and the node and link
action toolbars appear (Figure 17) (1, 2).
Click on Delete node on the node action The default basin network is deleted and the
toolbar. empty blue map is on the screen.
Point to the Fixed inflow node (node 1) and
confirm (Figure 16)
Point to the Terminal node (node 2) and
confirm
Click on Add node on the node action toolbar. The empty map with the 4 nodes as shown in
Click on Variable inflow on the node type Figure 21 (7) (8) (9) (10)
toolbar.
Click only one time on the map at location of
the first Variable inflow node as shown in
Figure 21.
the second Variable inflow node as shown in
Figure 21.
Click on Confluence on the node type toolbar.
the Confluence node as shown in Figure 21.
Click on Terminal on the node type toolbar.
the terminal node as shown in Figure 21.

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Click on Connect nodes on the link The empty map with the complete network
(connection) action toolbar. schematization of the present Virgin river basin
Click on SW flow link on the link type toolbar. (Figure 25).
Point to the Variable inflow node and drag a
link from this node to the Confluence node as
shown in Figure 25 (3).
Point to the second Variable inflow node and
drag a link from this node to the Confluence
node as shown in Figure 25 (3).
Point to the Confluence node and drag a link
from this node to the Terminal node as shown
in Figure 25 (3).
Select Rename on the node action toolbar.
Click left mouse button while pointing to the The Rename pop-up box appears (Figure 26).
Variable inflow node representing the main
river.
The variable inflow nodes get the names “Main”
Enter the name “Main” and press OK and “Minor”.
Click left mouse button while pointing to the
Variable inflow node representing the tributary
river. Enter the name “Minor” and press OK.
Give the Confluence node the name “Con”.
The confluence and the terminal nodes get the
Give the Terminal node the name “End”.
names “Con” and “End”.
Give the two links of the main river the names
“Main1” and “Main2”.
The link names are “Main1”, “Main2” and
Give the tributary link the name “Minor1”.
“Minor1”.
Select at the Options top menu the item Pop-up box Settings appears.
Options (Figure 27).
Select folder Node Pop-up box Settings with folder Node

Switch item Name On (Figure 28) Pop-up window Settings with folder Node and
“Name” item On.
Select folder Link Pop-up box Settings with folder Link

Switch item Name On Pop-up window Settings with folder Link and
“Name” item On.
Press OK The empty map with the complete network

schematization of the present Virgin river basin
(Figure 29).
Select at the File-menu at the top screen the

item Save and Network (Figure 30) (4)
Press Yes The empty map with the complete network
schematization of the present Virgin river basin
(Figure 25).

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Select at the File-menu at the top screen the Netter is closed. Case Management Tool
item Exit (Figure 31) (5) screen with “EditData” pop-up window as
shown in Figure 14.
Press OK (6) Case Management Tool screen with 3 task
blocks green (Figure 32).
Remarks:
1. If the node and link types, and the node and link action toolbars do not appear directly on
the screen then you can select the toolbar button at the top menu. For example for the
node type tool bar: Select the node type tool bar button at the top screen, a drop-down
menu will open, select “River basin simulation model”, point to the small blue bar at top of
the drop-down node type toolbar and drag the toolbar down on the map (Figure 18,
Figure 19).
2. If the caption of the toolbar items does not appear at the toolbar then you switch the
caption on as follows: at the top screen menu item View → Toolbars → Customize. A
pop-up window shows the setting of the 4 toolbars (Figure 20).
3. When you connect two nodes, you must drag in downstream direction.
4. The Netter Save action means that the network is saved into the working environment of
the CMT. As long as data and results are in the CMT working environment then they are
not yet secure. To be secure and safe we have to save our simulation case which we will
do later on in the exercise (see Step 2 Remark 4).
5. The reason to exit Netter is that the model data of the nodes and links will be updated.
This means that the model data is filled with default values for the new nodes and links
and that the data of deleted nodes and links are cleared.
6. Error messages, unfinished tasks and Log-files. If a program module is executed some
progress messages appear on the screen like a moving bar. If the program was executed
correctly then the next program is started automatically. Upon an error then the execution
window is kept open and a message and/or error code is shown. The user may close the
window and the CMT task will be interrupted which means that the task block is colored
yellow (and not green). You can check the program output and messages in detail in the
log-file of the executed program modules. The list of log-files is shown after clicking the
right mouse button while the cursor is pointing to the task block.
7. If you click by accident more then one time on the left mouse button for example if you
add a node then more than one node is added on the same location on the map. This is
hard to see. You can check this by moving the node under the Move node action of the
node action toolbar.
8. If you want to increase the size of the nodes: point to “Network nodes” in the legend and
push left mouse button > Increase the value at the item “Symbol” (Figure 22).
9. If you want to show the direction of the flow in the links: select menu item “Options” >
Select menu item “Options” in the drop-down menu > Select the sheet “Link” in the pop-
up window > Switch on item “Defined” at item “Show direction” (Figure 23).
10. If you want to increase the size of the link arrows: point to “Network branches” in the
legend and push left mouse button > Increase the value at the item “Symbol” (Figure
24Figure 22).

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Figure 14 CMT screen with pop-up menu box after selection of task block "Edit network and data base on
map".
Edit network button

Top screen menu
and buttons
Fixed inflow node
Active legend
Terminal node
Default basin network
No map (blue screen)
Figure 15 Netter, interactive network editor, initial screen without background map.
Figure 16 Delete node pop-up confirmation window.

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Node action
Node type
toolbar
toolbar
Link type Link action

toolbar toolbar
Figure 17 Netter screen with the node and link type, and node and link action toolbars after pressing the Edit
network button.
Node and link action

toolbar button
Link type
toolbar button
Node type
toolbar button
Figure 18 Netter top screen menu with the different toolbar buttons.

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Small blue bar to drag node
type toolbar to the map
Figure 19 Small blue bar at top of the drop-down node type toolbar used to drag the toolbar down on the map

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Figure 20 Netter pop-up properties setting box “Edit network toolbar”.
First
variable
inflow
node
Second
variable
inflow
node
Confluence
node
Terminal
node
Figure 21 Netter screen, after adding 2 Variable inflow nodes, 1 Confluence node and 1 Terminal node.

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Button to increase
size of nodes
Figure 22 Pop-up window to increase the size of the nodes.
Figure 23 Pop-up window to show link flow direction.

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Button to increase
size of link arrow
Figure 24 Pop-up window to increase the size of the link arrows.

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Figure 25 Netter screen with complete network schematization of Virgin River basin.
Figure 26 Pop-up box to enter the node name.
Figure 27 Netter Options menu.

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Figure 28 Netter Options for setting “Name” at folder “Node” and “Link”.
Figure 29 Netter screen with complete network schematization with node and link names.

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Save network to the CMT
working environment
Figure 30 Netter pop-up box “Save network”.
Exit Netter and return to

CMT screen with menu
box “Edit data”
Figure 31 Netter pop-up box to exit.
Figure 32 CMT screen after a successful finish of task block "Edit network and data base on map".

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10 Step 6 Enter the network node and link model
data
Aim: enter the model (property, object, attribute) data of all nodes and links of Virgin river
basin. The required data depends on the node and link type (see User manual attachments 6
and 7). For our Virgin River basin schematization, we only must enter data for the Variable
inflow node. The other nodes do not require any model data.
Double-click the task block “Edit network “Edit data” menu box appears (Figure 14).
and data base on map”.
Click on menu button Edit network and Netter, the interactive network editor with the
object data complete Virgin river basin schematization
appears (Figure 33).
There are two ways to start model data editing:
1. Direct from the map:
Click left mouse button while pointing to
one of the Variable inflow nodes. The selected Variable inflow node is
Click right mouse button while pointing to highlighted.
the selected Variable inflow node. The screen with pop-up menu box looks like
Click left mouse button while pointing Figure 34.
menu item “Model data”.
Click left mouse button while pointing Netter screen with model data editor “DataEdit”
menu item “River basin simulation model”. (Figure 35)
2. Via the top screen menu
Select menu “Edit” and item “Model data”
(Figure 37)
Netter screen with menu- and combo-box
Select at combo box “Variable inflow “Model Data” (Figure 38).
node” (Figure 38)
Netter screen with model data editor “DataEdit”
Click left mouse button on “Edit” button (Figure 40)
(Figure 39)
Double click on the item “No” in the column The default value for the node status is
“Node active” for the 2 variable inflow nodes inactive. The item will change into “Yes” which
means that the node is active and part of the
simulation.
Click the folder “Variable” The “DataEdit” folder for the variable (multi-
year) time series is shown.
Enter in the column Actual inflow time series The “DataEdit” screen filled with model data
index the value 1 for the variable inflow node (Figure 36). Aware that here node with ID 1 is
“Main” and the value 2 for the variable inflow the main inflow node and node with ID 2 is the
node “Minor” (3). minor inflow node but this might be different in
your case. Check before entering the values.

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Press OK (1) Netter screen with the complete network
schematization (Figure 33).
Select at the File-menu at the top screen the CMT screen with “Edit data” pop-up box as
item Exit (Figure 31) shown in Figure 14.
Press OK CMT screen with 3 task blocks green (Figure
32).
Remarks:
1. The model (property, attribute, object) data which have been filled in are directly saved to
the CMT working environment
2. An overview of the model data of each node and link type are shown in the User manual
attachments.
3. The values 1 and 2 are the time series ID’s which are defined in the variable inflow time
series file “Actinflw.tms” in the selected hydrological scenario. The hydrological scenario
is selected in step 3 and is here “Scenario 121 Example data : T12 for year 1971 – 1980”.
The file is here \Virgin.Rbn\Hydrolog\Scenario.121\Actinflw.tms (see User manual
attachment).

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Figure 33 Netter screen with complete schematization of Virgin River basin.

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Figure 34 Netter screen, select direct from the map a Variable inflow node to activate the spreadsheet based
model data editor.

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Figure 35 Netter screen with spreadsheet based model data editor for all Variable inflow nodes from map.
Figure 36 Spreadsheet based model data editor “DataEdit” with data of all Variable inflow nodes with the
selected folders “Variable inflow” and “Variable”.

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Figure 37 Netter top screen menu to start model data editor.
Combo-box to select
node and link type
Figure 38 Netter screen with menu and combo box “Model Data” to select the node or link type.

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Figure 39 Netter pop-up menu and combo box “Model Data” to select the node to start model data editor.
Figure 40 Netter screen with spreadsheet-based model data editor “DataEdit” which is activated via menu and
combo box “Model data”.

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11 Step 7 Generate overview of data base
Aim: generate an overview in table form of all node and link model (property, attribute,
object) data used in the simulation.
Double-click the task block “Edit “Edit data” menu box appears (Figure 14).
network and data base on map”.
Click on menu button Generate The overview is generated at the background
overview of data base (Figure 41)
Click on menu button View tables of Viewtext window appears to browse the print
data base. file with tables of all data used in the simulation
(Figure 42).
Select at File menu the item Exit. CMT screen with 3 green task blocks (Figure
43).
Figure 41 CMT screen and menu for generation of overview of database.

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Figure 42 Viewtext browser to check all data used in the simulation.
Figure 43 CMT screen after correct finish of task block “Edit network and database from map” and menu item
"Generate overview of data base".

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12 Step 8 Execute the river basin simulation
Aim: Execute the simulation of the Virgin River basin.
Double-click the task block “River A simulation progress window will pop-up and
basin simulation” (1). close after the simulation. CMT screen with 4
green task blocks.
Press OK CMT screen with 4 green task blocks (Figure
44).
Remarks
1. At this task block the actual water allocation is computed. After the simulation several
post-processing programs are executed sequentially at the background. During the
execution the task block is purple.
Figure 44 CMT screen after successful finish of task blocks “River basin simulation”.

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13 Step 9 Evaluate the simulation results
Aim:
• show overall water balance of the whole basin over the whole simulation period.
• prepare a graph of the flows at the links on map.
• prepare a graph of the flows at the links on chart.
Double-click the task block “Analysis CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Analysis of
of basin simulation results”. basin simulation results” (Figure 45).
Click on item “Results : reports”. CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Summary
reports” (Figure 46).
Select item “Overall river basin water Viewtext window appears to browse the print
balance” and push “View” button. file with overall water balance.
Select at File menu and item Exit. Viewtext is closed. CMT screen with pop-up
menu box “Summary reports” (Figure 46).
Select Exit. Pop-up menu is closed. CMT screen with pop-
up menu box “Analysis of basin simulation
results” (Figure 45).
Click on item “Results : on map”. Netter screen with “View data” box showing the
link flow results. The thickness of the link
represents the size of the flow (Figure 47) (3).
Click on the upstream link “Main1” of Netter screen with the selected link highlighted
the Virgin river. (Figure 48).
Click on the Graph button of View data Netter screen with graph of the flow in the
box. selected link for the whole simulation period
January 1980 till December 1980 (Figure 49)
(1)
While pushing Shift key, click on the Netter screen with the two selected links
upstream link “Minor1” of the Virgin highlighted (Figure 50).
river.
Click on the Graph button of View data Netter screen with two graphs of the flow in the
box. two selected links (Figure 51) (1).
At Graph server window select item File Netter screen with link flow results.
and Exit
Select at the Options top menu the item Pop-up box Settings appears.
Options (Figure 52).
Select folder Link Pop-up box Settings with folder Link

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Switch item Data value On (Figure 53) Pop-up window Settings with folder Link and
“Data value” item On.
Press OK Netter screen with link flow results. The

thickness of the link represents the size of the
flow and the flow values are shown (Figure 54).
Click the left and right scroll button in the Netter screen while browsing thru the
View data window (Figure 54). simulation period. The link thickness varies and
the flow values changes.
Select top menu item File and Exit. CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Analysis of
basin simulation results” (Figure 45).
Click on item “Results : on charts”. CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Results on
charts” (Figure 55).
Click the menu item All links CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Results on
charts” (Figure 55).
Press View/Export OdsView selection screen (Figure 56).
Click on Link Flows in left column OdsView selection screen (Figure 56).
While pushing Control-key, click on the OdsView selection screen (Figure 56).
link names Main1 and Minor1 in the
middle column
Click on button All above right column OdsView selection screen (Figure 56).
Press Graph button OdsView graph server of the flow in links Main1
and Minor1 over simulation year 1980 (Figure
57) (1, 2)
Select top menu item File and Exit. Graph server is closed. OdsView selection
screen (Figure 56).
Press Exit button CMT screen with pop-up menu box “Analysis of
basin simulation results” (Figure 55).
Select OK. CMT screen with 5 green task blocks (Figure
58).
Remarks
1. At the graph window you can change the graph properties by clicking the right mouse
button while cursor is on the graph window. In the pop-up menu box you can set the various
graph properties.
2. You can export your selected data by pressing the button “Export data” at the bottom of
the window. At the pop-up menu box you have to specify the name of the file, the file type
and the location where to store the file (see FAQ 6).

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3. When you select one of the node or link types listed at the active legend at the Netter screen
then the results of the selected node or link type are shown on the map. This way you can
quickly switch among the results of the various node and link types.
Figure 45 CMT screen with menu box after selection of Task block “Analysis of basin simulation results”.
Figure 46 Pop-up window Summary reports.

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Result selection: node
and link type
Time step
that is
presented
now
Active legend
Name of parameter
that is presented
Figure 47 Netter screen for evaluation of results from map.
Graph button
Figure 48 Netter screen for evaluation of results after selection of a link.

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Figure 49 Netter screen for evaluation of results with graph of the flow in the selected link.
Figure 50 Netter screen for evaluation of results after selection of the second link.

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Figure 51 Netter screen for evaluation of results with graph of the flows in the 2 selected links.
Figure 52 Netter Options menu.

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Figure 53 Netter Options for setting “Data value” at folder “Link”.
Left scroll
button
Right scroll
button
Figure 54 Netter screen with of link flow result values on the map.

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Figure 55 CMT pop-up box “Results on charts”.
Figure 56 OdsView selection menu for Parameter, Location and Timesteps.

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Figure 57 OdsView graph of flow in selected links and time period.
Figure 58 CMT screen after correct finish of a complete simulation and evaluation (before save case).

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14 Step 10 Save simulation case
Aim: save the simulation case under the name “Case 1.1: Natural flow”.
Select at the Case-menu at the top screen CMT screen and pop-up window appears to
the item Save As… (Figure 59). specify case name (Figure 60).
Enter case name Case 1.1: Natural flow CMT screen and pop-up window with case
name “Case 1.1: Natural flow”.
Press OK CMT screen with case name “Case 1.1:
Natural flow” at top of window and all data
saved securely (Figure 61).
Remarks
1. It is advisable to add the date to the name of the case.
Figure 59 CMT screen “Case” menu item “Save As”.

6 April 2022
Figure 60 CMT screen and pop-up window to enter simulation case name “Case 1: Natural flow”.
Case name “Case 1.1: Natural flow”
Figure 61 CMT screen after completion of Case 1: Natural flow (incl. Save case).

6 April 2022
15 Virgin River basin Case 1.2: Irrigation area A
The Virgin River basin has been further developed. Irrigation area A is in the upstream part of
the basin abstracting water from the Main river. See Figure 62.The network schematization
for the new configuration is shown in Figure 63
Figure 62 Case 1.2: map of Virgin River basin with irrigation area A.

6 April 2022
Figure 63 Case 1.2: Virgin River basin RIBASIM network schematization with irrigation area A
Our analysis approach is to setup a new simulation case 1.2 based on Case 1.1 which
includes the irrigation area A. Your task is to quantify the basin performance using RIBASIM.
We will start to make a copy of Case 1.1 with new name Case 1.2. All actions related to step
1 till step 4 will be the same as Case 1.1 so we can directly continue with step 5. As we will
include an irrigation node (demand node) in the schematization, we also need to check and
update the source priority editor at step 6.
Step 1 Define a new river basin model only at the start of your analysis.
Step 2 Open a new empty case or open an existing case as new.
Step 3 Select scenarios, measures and strategies
Step 4 Define the simulation period
Step 5 Design your river basin network schematization
Step 6 Enter the network node and link model data and update source priority list.
Step 7 Generate the overview of data base
Step 8 Execute the river basin simulation
Step 9 Evaluate the river basin performance
Step 10 Save simulation case

6 April 2022
Below the steps are outlined to carry out the analysis. Only the new aspects or features of
this case compared to the Case 1.1: Natural flow are described in detail. We start at the initial
screen of the Case Management Tool.
Select at the Case-menu at the top screen CMT with pop-up window appears to Select
the item Open as new (Figure 64). which case to use as reference (Figure 65).
Click on Case 1.1: Natural flow to be

used as start for new case (Figure 65).
Enter new case name Case 1.2: CMT with filled pop-up window.
Irrigation area A (Figure 65).
Press OK CMT initial screen (Figure 66).

6 April 2022
At the “Edit data” menu box (Figure 14) you must select menu button Edit network and
object data. The interactive network editor Netter will start, and you must adapt the shown
network schematization of Case 1.1.
User actions at step 5 System reactions
Click on the top-screen Edit network The node and link types, and the node and
button (Figure 67) link action toolbars appear.
Select Add node at the node action The Case 1.1 schematization with 2 new
toolbar nodes (Figure 67).
Select Fixed irrigation at the node type
toolbar
Click on the map at the location of the
irrigation node as shown in Figure 67
Select Split connection at the node
action toolbar
Select Diversion at the node type
toolbar
Click on location of the link where the
diversion node must be included as
shown in Figure 67
Select Connect nodes at the link action The adapted Case 1.1 schematization
toolbar. (Figure 68).
Select Diverted flow on the link toolbar.
Point to the Diversion node and drag a
link from this node to the Fixed irrigation
node as shown in Figure 68.
Select SW flow on the link toolbar.
Point to the Fixed irrigation node and
drag a link from this node to the
Confluence node as shown in Figure 68.
Select Rename on the node action toolbar.
Click left mouse button while pointing to The Rename pop-up box appears.
the Fixed irrigation node.
Enter the name “FirA” and press OK The Fixed irrigation node gets the name
Click left mouse button while pointing to “FirA” and the Diversion node the name
the Diversion node. Enter the name “Div1” “Div1”.
and press OK.
Give the links of the main river the names The main river link names are “Main1”,
“Main1”, “Main2” and “Main3”. “Main2” and “Main3”.
Select at the File-menu at the top screen Save confirmation pop-up window appears.
the item Network and Save.
Press OK The empty map with the complete adapted
network schematization of the present
Virgin river basin.

6 April 2022
User actions at step 5 System reactions
Select at the File-menu at the top screen CMT screen with “Edit Data” pop-up
the item Exit. window.
Press OK CMT screen.
Your network schematization for the Virgin River basin including irrigation area A is ready
now. Next you must do step 6a and 6b:
a. the model data of the Fixed irrigation node and the Diverted flow link must be
entered.
b. the source priority list must be checked and, if needed, updated. Here we use the
default source priority list.
At the “Edit data” menu box (Figure 14) you must select menu button Edit network and
object data. The interactive network editor Netter will start.
User actions at step 6a System reactions
Activate the model data editor of the The spreadsheet-based model data editor
Diverted flow link, with the data of all Diverted flow links is
View the model data (we will keep all shown (Figure 69).
default values) and
Finish with OK
Netter screen with schematization.
Activate the model data editor of the Netter screen with the spreadsheet-based
Fixed irrigation node model data editor d with data of all Fixed
irrigation nodes is shown (Figure 70).
Click at the column Irrigated area and net The table editor for the “Irrigated area (ha)”
demand on the item Table… and “Net demand (mm/day)” is shown
(Figure 71).
Enter the data as shown in Figure 71.

Netter screen with the spreadsheet-based
Click OK
model data editor with data of all Fixed
irrigation nodes is shown (Figure 71).
Click OK Netter screen with schematization.
Press OK Netter screen with the complete network
schematization.

6 April 2022
User actions at step 6b System reactions
There are two ways to start the source

priority editor:
1. Direct from the map:
Click left mouse button while pointing to The selected Fixed irrigation node is
the Fixed irrigation node. highlighted.
Click right mouse button while pointing to The screen with pop-up menu box looks like
the selected Fixed irrigation node. Figure 72.
Click left mouse button while pointing
menu item “Model data”.
Netter screen with source priority list editor
Click left mouse button while pointing (Figure 73)
menu item ““Source Priority Editor”.
2. Via the top screen menu
Select menu “Edit” and item “Model data”
Netter screen with menu- and combo-box
(Figure 74)
“Model Data” (Figure 75).
Select at lower combo box “Fixed
irrigation node” and select at top combo
box “Source Priority editor” (Figure 75) Netter screen with source priority editor
(Figure 76)
Click left mouse button on “Edit” button
At the source editor pop-up window:
Click the “Restore all” button (Figure 76) Default source priority list is set as actual
next the “Save” button and source priority list and saved.
finally, the “OK” button Exit source priority editor and return to the
screen with the complete network
schematization
Select at the File-menu at the top screen CMT screen with “Edit data” pop-up box as
the item Exit (Figure 31) shown in Figure 14.
Your network schematization, model data and source priority list for the Virgin River basin
including irrigation area A is ready now. Next you can continue with step 7.
User actions step 7 System reactions
Select menu button Generate overview of The program which generates an overview
data base at the “Edit data” menu box of the data is executed at the background.
Select menu button View tables of data An overview of all data in tables form can
base at the “Edit data” menu box be viewed. If one or more input data is
incorrect then an error message is shown in
the output file.
Select File and Exit The Viewtext program is closed. Return to
Case Management Tool screen with “Edit
data” menu box.
Press OK Case Management Tool screen

6 April 2022
You start the simulation by activating task block “River basin simulation”. Finally, the basin
performance is evaluated at task block “Analysis of basin simulation results”. The results
can be evaluated from map, like the link flows as shown in Figure 77. You can also make and
look at the results on charts like for the Fixed irrigation node the shortage as shown in Figure
78. You can also view the reports, like the summary report as shown in Figure 79.
Figure 64 Case 1.2: CMT top screen menu to open a previous case as a new case.
Select Case 1.1: Natural flow
Enter name of new case
Figure 65 Case 1.2: CMT pop-up menu box to select the case to be used as start for the new case and entry
of the new case name.

6 April 2022
Present case name “Case 1.2:
Irrigation area A”
Figure 66 Case 1.2: CMT initial screen for “Case 1.2: Irrigation area A”.
Edit network button
Fixed
irrigation
node
Diversion
node
Figure 67 Case 1.2: Netter screen after adding fixed irrigation and diversion node.

6 April 2022
Link type:
Surface
water flow
link
Link type:
Diverted
flow link
Figure 68 Case 1.2: Netter screen with schematization for “Case 1.2: Irrigation area A”.
Figure 69 Case 1.2: Dataedit window for Diverted flow links.
Figure 70 Case 1.2: Dataedit window for Fixed irrigation node.

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Figure 71 Case 1.2: Dataedit table screen for entry of irrigated area and net demand per month.
Figure 72 Case 1.2: Netter screen, select direct from the map the Fixed irrigation node to activate the source
list editor.

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Figure 73 Case 1.2: Netter screen with the source priority list editor.
Figure 74 Case 1.2: Netter top screen menu to start the source priority list editor.

6 April 2022
Top drop-down combo box,
select “Source Priority Editor”
Lower drop-down combo box,

select “Fixed Irrigation”
Figure 75 Case 1.2: Netter screen with pop window “Model Data” to start the source priority list editor.
“Restore all” button to set the

default source priority list
Figure 76 Case 1.2: Netter screen with the source priority list editor.

6 April 2022
January 1971 February 1971
Figure 77 Case 1.2: link flow results (m3/s) for January and February 1971.
Figure 78 Case 1.2: graph of the irrigation shortage (m3/s) over the simulation period 1971 till 1980.

6 April 2022
Figure 79 Case 1.2: Viewtext screen of Summary report : water shortages during 10 years simulation.

6 April 2022
A Annex A Model data
Variable inflow node model data
Applied
procedure
Sacramento
rainfall-
Node Catchment Variabale long runoff
name Node active label time series model
Main Yes 0 Yes No
Minor Yes 0 Yes No
Local
Actual inflow time Expected consumption Virgin
Node series index in inflow time unit [ 1=% , 2 Local catchment area
name file Actinflw.tms series index = m3/s ] consumption (km2)
Main 1 0 0 0.0 0.0
Minor 2 0 0 0.0 0.0
Fixed irrigation node model data
FirA
Time step Area (ha) Netdemand (mm/day)
January 10000.0 6.0
February 10000.0 8.0
March 10000.0 12.0
April 10000.0 4.0
May 10000.0 0.0
June 10000.0 15.0
July 10000.0 10.0
August 10000.0 12.0
September 10000.0 8.0
October 10000.0 6.0
November 10000.0 0.0
December 10000.0 0.0
SW efficiency (%) 65.0

GW efficiency (%) 0.0
Return flow to SW (%) 40.0
Return flow to GW (%) 0.0

6 April 2022
Diverted flow link model data
Link Active
Capacity (m3/s) 9999.90 for all time steps (months)
Online adjustable gate setting Yes
Operate on downstream demand Yes
Upstream flow (m3/s) Maximum diverted flow (m3/s)

0.000 0.000
10.000 10.000
50.000 50.000
100.000 100.000
500.000 500.000
1000.000 1000.000
-1.000 -1.000

6 April 2022
6 April 2022

RIBASIM 70124 Quick Start Module 1 Basics V2

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RIBASIM 70124 Quick Start Module 1 Basics V2

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RIBASIM Version 7.01.

2 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

2 Virgin river basin Case 1.1: Natural flow 5

3 Starting the Program 7

4 Exiting the Program 9

5 Step 1 Define a new river basin model 10

6 Step 2 Open a new empty case 12

7 Step 3 Select scenarios, measures and strategies 14

8 Step 4 Define the simulation period 17

9 Step 5 Design your river basin network schematization 18

10 Step 6 Enter the network node and link model data 30

11 Step 7 Generate overview of data base 37

12 Step 8 Execute the river basin simulation 39

13 Step 9 Evaluate the simulation results 40

14 Step 10 Save simulation case 49

15 Virgin River basin Case 1.2: Irrigation area A 51

A Annex A Model data 65

3 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

• RIBASIM Version 7.00 User manual, May 2013

• RIBASIM Version 7.00 Technical reference manual, December 2008

Table 1 RIBASIM Quick Start modules

4 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Our analysis approach is to setup a simulation case. A simulation case is a combination of

5 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

6 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

User actions System reactions

User actions System reactions

From the Windows Start menu: RIBASIM title screen appears

• select Delft Hydraulics

Figure 2 RIBASIM start icon.

7 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Figure 3 RIBASIM title screen.

8 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Aim: To exit RIBASIM at the title screen (Figure 3).

User actions System reactions

9 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Aim: At the RIBASIM title screen we must define a new basin.

User actions System reactions

10 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Figure 6 Case Management Tool (CMT) initial screen.

11 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

User actions System reactions

Color of task block Task status

12 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Case name is “Default”

13 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

User actions System reactions

Selection options Directory name

14 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Figure 10 Combo box for selection of the hydrological scenario.

15 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

16 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

User actions System reactions

Figure 13 CMT pop-up screen box to specify simulation period.

17 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Aim: enter the network schematization of the Virgin River basin:

• Add the various nodes.

User actions System reactions

18 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics

Select folder Node Pop-up box Settings with folder Node

Select folder Link Pop-up box Settings with folder Link

Press OK The empty map with the complete network

Select at the File-menu at the top screen the

19 of 67 RIBASIM Version 7.01.24 Quick Start Module 1 Basics