Basic requirements to build a network in Qatium
Basic requirements to build a network in Qatium
Before you can start running simulations or planning scenarios in Qatium, you need to upload the data to build your network. Whether you’re starting from GIS data or an existing hydraulic model, understanding the basic requirements ensures a smooth import process.
What your dataset should include
At a minimum, your network needs a pipe layer. But for your model to function correctly and deliver valuable insights, we recommend including the following:
Basic requirements
- Pipes (mandatory)
- Major assets: Such as supply sources and tanks—these represent your core infrastructure.
- Pressure-modifying elements: Including pumps, regulating valves (PRVs, PSVs, FCVs, PBVs), and shut-off valves (e.g., TCVs).
- Demand data: If not provided, Qatium will infer it automatically—but uploading it yourself improves model accuracy and reliability.
Highly recommended for better accuracy and features
- Projection: Helps accurately position your network on the map.
- Sensor data: To enhance your model with live updates and historical analysis.
- Control rules: To ensure realistic behavior—especially useful when sensor data isn’t available.
- Zones: These allow water balance calculations and adjust demands automatically—especially helpful when sensor data is integrated.
- Water age parameters: Add these if you're modeling treatment processes or want to track water quality within the network.
Supported file types
Depending on the data you have available, to upload or create a network in Qatium you can use the following file types.
File type | Goal |
---|---|
EPANET .inp |
To upload an already existing model to Qatium. |
GIS files (GeoJSON and Shapefiles)
.geojson
.shp, .dbf and .prj (.cpg optional) |
To create a complete network in Qatium from different datasets, and to set its projection on the map. |
.csv | For readings, mapping signals, thresholds and customer points (if not available in your GIS files). |
.txt | To import controls (Simple Controls and Rule Base from Epanet). |
.zip | To combine any of the previously mentioned datasets into one single file for upload. |
⚠️ Important: We don't use .net, .cpg , .sbn, .sbx, .qmd, .xml, .tiff
files to create your network in Qatium. If you upload some of those, we'll discard them. But if you find it useful and you'd like for us to support those files types, please let us know.
Not sure where to start?
Let us help you find the best setup path based on the data you have available.
Do you have a hydraulic model?
Do you have the EPANET .inp file for that model?
Yay! Is it an EPS model?
Nice! Final step: Is the model up to date?
Congrats! You can upload your model to Qatium.
Just drag & drop your file into the interface and your network will be created within minutes.

Go to our Upload step-by-step guide
For you to work with the most accurate representation of your network, we recommend you to update your model using EPANET or adding GIS layers to overwrite outdated values.
Then you need to define the following first:
Demand patterns
Control rules
No problem, follow our quick guide on how to export your model to EPANET .inp.
Do you have GIS data?
Has your GIS data been prepared?
Congrats! You can upload your GIS data to Qatium.
Just drag & drop your files into the interface and your network will be created within minutes.

Go to our Upload step-by-step guide
We got you! Follow our quick guide on how to prepare your GIS data.
Sorry, you need to have either an existing hydraulic model or GIS data to create a network in Qatium. Contact us if you need any asistance.
Already have everything you need? Go to our Upload step-by-step guide