Using baselines

A new, blank baseline can be created at any time.

To create a new baseline:

1. In the Explorer window or Model Group window, right click a model group.
2. Select New | Baseline from the context menu.

   The New Name- Baseline dialog is displayed.

3. Type a name for the baseline and click OK.

The new baseline will be checked out when created.

Note: A baseline is a version controlled itemVersion controlled items have an extra level of management within the InfoWorks database. These items can be checked in and out to create a series of versions of the same item. You can also create branches from any version. Only the differences between versions are stored in the database. Version controlled items can be locked to prevent accidental deletion. and must be checked out before it can be edited.

Baseline data is viewed and edited on the Baseline property sheet.

To open the property sheet for editing:

• Drag the baseline from the Explorer window or Model Group window into the main window background.

Alternatively:

• Right-click the baseline and select Open from the context menu.

Note: A baseline is a version controlled itemVersion controlled items have an extra level of management within the InfoWorks database. These items can be checked in and out to create a series of versions of the same item. You can also create branches from any version. Only the differences between versions are stored in the database. Version controlled items can be locked to prevent accidental deletion. and must be checked out before it can be updated using this method.

Data from the Fields and Verification tabs of a baseline can be updated using the Open Data Import Centre. This update is likely to be implemented using CSV files but other formats are available. Typing in this data by hand can be time-consuming and lead to typing errors. Import files can be used instead, making the process faster, more automatic and more reliable.

1. Right-click the baseline in the Model Group window and choose Update | From Open Data Import Centre.

   This displays the Open Data Import Centre.

2. Use the Open Data Import Centre to update the baseline. Press F1 for help.

Note: This process is applicable only to baselines created before version 13.0. Baselines created from version 13.0 do not require compression.

Baselines created before version 13.0 can be compressed to remove any redundant information they may contain. This is meant mainly for large networks and results in an improved data processing speed.

1. Check out (or check out and branch) the baseline of interest.
2. Right-click the baseline and select Compress baseline from the context menu.

   A prompt is displayed, explaining that duplicate information will be removed from the fields grid.

3. To proceed, click Yes.

   A message is displayed, showing compression results.

4. Click OK to close the message.
5. Check in the baseline to commit the changes.

Two baselines can be compared from the database tree displayed in the Model Group window or the Explorer window.

Refer to the Comparing topic for details.

Checked out baselines can be edited or modified, whereas checked in baselines cannot be edited. Baselines need to be checked in prior to validation and use. A baseline is automatically locked once runs are associated with it. Locked baselines cannot be deleted.

• To check out a baseline, right-click the baseline in the Model Group window and select Check out or Check out & branch.

  Note: Baselines are automatically checked out when the related base model is imported or updated from InfoWater. You can then open the baseline and edit it as required.

• To check in a baseline, select it in the Model Group window and either right-click it and select Check in, or select InfoWater | Check in baseline.
• To unlock a baseline, right-click it in the Model Group window and select Unlock baseline.

Baselines must be enabled for runs to be performed. Enabled baselines cannot be unlocked or deleted. To unlock or delete enabled baselines, you have to disable them first.

To enable a baseline:

• Tick the Enable this baseline for use in projection runs check box on the Default Model page of the baseline property sheet. 

  Alternatively:

• Select the baseline in the Model Group window and choose InfoWater | Enable baseline.

To disable a baseline, do one of the following:

• Untick the Enable this baseline for use in projection runs check box on the Default Model page of the baseline property sheet.
• Right-click the baseline and select Enable baseline. This option is a toggle: a tick with a blue background to the left of the menu item indicates that the baseline is enabled.
• Select the baseline in the Model Group window and choose InfoWater | Enable Baseline. This option is a toggle: a tick with a blue background to the left of the menu item indicates that the baseline is enabled.

Note that disabling a baseline will prevent it from having runs carried out.