When you upload your hydraulic data to Qatium, we follow a simple three-step process to get it simulation-ready. We transform your data into an operable network, making sure it's usable, clean, and complete. Whether you're an operator, planner, or engineer, here’s what happens behind the scenes.

Step 1: Normalizing your data

We start by bringing all your data into a consistent format. Different systems and files use different names, structures, or values — and that’s perfectly fine. Qatium reviews your dataset to ensure it's coherent and compatible with the platform.

• Find and map property aliases: We identify asset properties like pipe material, pump orientation, or valve diameter — even if they’re labeled differently — and standardize them.
• Assign defaults and calculate missing values: When some attributes like pipe length or tank volume aren’t included, we infer them using built-in logic and contextual data.
• Clean and filter data: We remove elements that can't be processed, such as those without coordinates or marked as "abandoned" or "proposed".
• Format geometry data: We simplify geometry types (e.g., converting multilinestrings to linestrings) and round coordinate values to improve precision and consistency.

Think of it like tidying up a toolbox: everything is labeled, organized, and in the right place so it can be used effectively.

Step 2: Correcting geometries

Next, we make sure your network is spatially coherent. If there are inconsistencies in how assets connect or are positioned (like overlapping nodes or disconnected pipes), we fix them to ensure your network behaves as expected during simulations.

• Fix overlaps and inconsistencies: We remove duplicated or overlapping nodes and pipes, preserving the most relevant data and combining useful details.
• Split and join pipes: We split pipes when nearby nodes or endpoints are close enough, and join them to the nearest junctions where necessary to maintain continuity.
• Clean up geometrical noise: We discard short or looped pipes that fall below minimum length thresholds.
• Calculate network connections: We define how each asset connects within the network, integrating isolated components where possible.

Step 3: Inferring hydraulic values

Finally, we add or estimate the hydraulic data required to simulate your network. Even if some values are missing, we can infer them from context and standard practices to ensure you can get started with simulations.

• Fill in missing data: We estimate values like elevation, pipe diameter, and head levels based on your network's structure and nearby assets.
• Detect disconnected elements: We identify assets that aren’t linked to a supply source and label them clearly, helping you resolve any gaps before simulation.
• Merge demand and zone data: We combine demand patterns and zone information from across your dataset and assign them to overlapping junctions where applicable.

It’s like filling in the blanks with smart assumptions — making sure your system is ready to go.

From raw data to a live network

Once this process is complete, your network comes to life in Qatium. You can analyze your network status, test scenarios and operations, or plan future improvements — without the need to build a network from scratch.

If anything looks off, Q — your digital water assistant — is here to help. Just open the assistant on the platform or reach out to our support team.