GMS:Import Data Workflows

To import data into GMS, do the following:

1. Gather and open image files.

Images are imported into the GIS module in GMS. 1. Open local images. Load images from local computer files using the File | Open... command. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in GMS. 2. Import images from the web. Use the Add Online Maps macro. Select a location in the Virtual Earth Map Locator. If a projection has not been set for the project, set a new project in the Display Projection dialog. Use the Data Service Options dialog to select a web service.

2. Gather and open geometric data files.

1. Import map data. Use the File | Open... command to import map data such as Map files, boundary ID files, or boundary XY files. Alternately, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in GMS. 2. Import GIS data. Use the File | Open... command to import GIS data files such as Shapefiles or raster files. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in GMS. 3. Import scatter data. Use File | Open... to open files with scatter data. Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Graphics Window in GMS. Use the File Import Wizard to specify how to import the data. 4. Import CAD data. Verify the CAD file type is readable by GMS before importing it. GMS can import DXF and DWG files. Use the File | Open... command to launch the Open dialog (or drag and drop) to import the CAD files. The data should load in layers into the Project Explorer. 5. Review and set object projections. Right-click on an object in the Project Explorer and select the Projection | Projection command. Set the horizontal and vertical projection using the Object Projection dialog. To set a global projection, use the Horizontal Projection dialog.

3. Gather hydrologic data files.
Gather data files for hydrologic and hydraulic data. These include data such as hydrographs, water levels, and rating curves. They will be imported when setting boundary conditions and when doing model calibration.