The Time Series Field Data dialog allows you to enter your observed field data and compare it to the calculated results from the model in graph format. This is especially useful in comparing time series data for model calibration.

Use this feature to display user-supplied time variant data values alongside calculated results in the graph display dialog. Model competency can sometimes be determined by a quick side by side visual comparison of calculated results with those observed in the field.

• Get familiar with your data - If you obtained your observed data from an outside source, you should take the time to get acquainted with it. Be sure to identify units of time and measurement for the data. Be sure to identify what the data points represent in the model; this helps in naming your line or bar series as it will appear in the graph. Each property should be in a separate column in your data source file.
• Preparing your data - Typically, observed data can be organized as a collection of points in a table. In this case, the time series data can simply be copied to the clipboard directly from the source and pasted right into the observed data input table. Ensure that your collection of data points is complete. That is, every value must have an associated time value. Oftentimes data points are stored in tab or comma delimited text files; these two import options are available as well.
• Starting time series data entry - To create a time series data set, click the Component menu and select Time Series Field Data. Pick the element type (e.g. Pipe, Junction) and select the New button on the top row of the dialog. (You may also right click on the Element Type Name and click the Add button) You will then see the Select Associated Modeling Attribute dialog where you select the property (attribute) to be imported. Choose the attribute and click OK. You may import any number of data sets for any Property and Element. The data set will have the default name of Property-N (e.g. Flow - 1). To change the name, click the Rename button (third button along the top of the table).
• Specifying the characteristics of your data - The following charecteristics must be defined:

You can perform a quick graphical check on the data import by clicking the Graph button at the top of the data table.

If the number of observations is large, it is best to use the Copy/Paste commands. Copy the data from the original source to the clipboard, then go to the top of the Time from Start or Property (e.g. Flow) column and hit CTRL-V to paste the values into the appropriate column.

Click the Close button when done.

The data is saved with the model file. If you modify the source data file, the changes will not appear until time series data is imported again.

To add the time series field data to a graph, first create the graph of the property from an EPS model run (e.g. right click on element and pick Graph). In the Graph options dialog, select Time Series Field Data and then the name of the time series (in the Field pane (right pane). The field data will appear in the graph as points (by default) while the model results will appear as a continuous line. This can be changed using the Chart Settings button at the top of the graph (third from left).