The 2009 release of MIKE URBAN includes a long list of new features and improvements of existing features in the WD (Water Distribution) module. Some of these have been described in previous newsletters. Below are a few more:

MIKE URBAN: Simple rules: Export and import simple rules from ASCI file
In order to export simple controls into ASCII file, open Simple Controls Editor, select Advanced and select "Export to ASCII file…". This will allow you to define the name of the ASCII file and export the content of the Simple Control Editor into the selected ASCII file. You can edit the controls within the ASCII file and import them back to MIKE URBAN by selecting Load from ASCII file. This is convenient in cases when you use Excel or other tools to create the list of controls for the model.

MIKE URBAN: Rule based controls: Export and import rule-based controls from ASCI file
In order to rule based controls into ASCII file, open Rule Based Controls Editor, select Advanced and select "Export to ASCII file…". This will allow you to define the name of the ASCII file and export the content of the Rule Based Controls Editor into the selected ASCII file. You can edit the rules within the ASCII file and import them back to MIKE URBAN by selecting Load from ASCII file. This is convenient in cases when you use Excel or other tools to create the list of rules for the model.

MIKE URBAN: Display graph for cyclic profiles
It is possible to display the graph for the cyclic profile, consisting of several diurnal patterns. In order to display the graph, open Cyclic Profile Editor, select the profile and click "Graph".

Illustration: Cyclic profile graph consisting of several diurnal patterns

For more information: p.ingeduld@dhigroup.com

As part of the regional Drainage and Water Management Plan, the Drainage and Waterways Branch of the Department of Water in Western Australia initiated a groundwater study that includes regional groundwater and water balance modelling, as well as the calculation of climate impacts and the extent of currently waterlogged areas.

As part of this project an integrated groundwater and surface water model has been developed, in addition to a steady-state waterbalance model for the Murray River study area. The MIKE SHE numerical model for the Murray River study area, including the key wetlands, has been developed and calibrated, including the simulation of surface water in relevant waterways, groundwater flow in each aquifer, the determination of a water budget for each of the aquifers and the determination of maximum groundwater levels. Following the calibration against surface water flows and the aquifer water levels, a suite of climate and land use scenarios are being simulated to determine the impact on water budgets and groundwater levels. DHI is playing an important role in this project as an advisor and peer reviewer for the model.

The MIKE SHE modelling framework is rapidly gaining acceptance across Australia for its ability to simulate the full hydrologic cycle as a fully coupled, fully integrated system. This is especially useful for integrated catchment modelling where groundwater and surface water are closely linked, including wetland management, conjunctive water use, climate and land-use change, drought and flood water management and environmental impact analysis. MIKE SHE includes all the processes in the hydrologic cycle and unsaturated flow, as well as flooding and channel flow with MIKE 11.

For further information please contact Matthias Pätsch: mpa@dhigroup.com or Graeme Cox: gjc@dhigroup.com

DHI Sweden welcomes Ramböll Sweden as a new MIKE 11/MIKE 11 GIS user. In Sweden authorities often refer to MIKE 11 as the preferred tool for inundation mapping and related, climate-change studies. "With this investment we are better prepared for this kind of projects and accommodate our clients' needs in this particular field of water resources engineering" says Piotr Kozakowski, Project Manager, Rambôll in Gothenburg. However, we will of course try to apply the M11 package in as many types of studies as possible as our skills develop, he finishes.

"On the academic side we are very pleased to welcome new users from the two leading technical universities in the country" says Sten Blomgren, Customer Care, DHI Sweden:

• At the Royal Institute of Technology, (Stockholm) Dept of Land and Water Resources, the student Zahra Kalantari will apply MIKE SHE for her thesis work title 'Adaptation of Road Drainage Structures to Climate Change'.
• At Chalmers Institute of Technology (Gothenburg), Dept of Water Environment Technology, the student Ekaterina Sokolova will use MIKE 3 and ECO Lab for her thesis work titled 'Hydrodynamic Models and New Microbiological Methods Applicable for a More Reliable Drinking Water Supply in a Changing Climate'.

"As these technical universities are well-renowned globally, it is of course of great strategic importance they recognise and use MIKE software. We look forward to following their work and hope that this will increase the use of MIKE by DHI software in the education of new generations of water experts" says Sten Blomgren.

For further information please contact Sten Blomgren: sbl@dhigroup.com

After the publication of decree 509/97 (issued by the Ministry of Transport and Navigation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Public Works) all projects of new marinas must fulfil a long list of requirements as stipulated in the law. A significant increase in the number of design proposals for new marinas has strengthened the importance of detailed studies in order to evaluate and minimise the impact of these structures on local coastal dynamics.

The use of numerical models to simulate coastal processes has now become a standard methodology in many coastal studies, owing to the high quality of the models in describing the physical phenomena involved.

Among these numerical models the MIKE 21 has become a standard of reference in Italy as a recognised tool to support the design of new marinas, for example to estimate the wave disturbance inside the marina in order to verify the fulfilment of the design layout to the recommendations from PIANC-AIPCN (the MIKE 21 BW module); to assess the impact of the marina on the coastal dynamics in order to investigate possible erosion and accretion along the adjacent coastline and evaluate possible siltation of the entrance (the MIKE 21 SW, HD, ST modules); to model the internal circulation in order to estimate the flushing time of the basin and guarantee an acceptable water quality inside the marina (the MIKE 21 HD, AD modules).

MIKE 21 SW, the state of the art 3rd generation spectral wind-wave model is used to estimate the design wave height for the structural design and to obtain boundary conditions for local BW models.

The role of numerical modelling in support to the design of new marinas were discussed in a recent technical workshop during the 2nd Italian DHI Conference in Turin (6-7 October), in which professors from the scientific world and professionals from the world of private companies shared and exchanged ideas. The Conference Proceedings are available at www.dhi-italia.it.

For further information please contact Andrea Pedroncini: pedroncini@dhi-italia.it

MIKE URBAN Seminars, 24-25 November, Athens-Thessaloniki, Greece

About 10 MIKE URBAN users from all over Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Chania, Larissa) representing consultancies and universities found their way to this one-day event. This was the first time the existing and potential Greek MIKE URBAN users had the opportunity to attend a specific MIKE URBAN seminar. MIKE URBAN software is expected to draw more and more interest for civil engineers, students and public utilities in the Greek urban modelling reality in the future, as a result of the advantageous “integrated” nature of MIKE URBAN software covering all the possibilities and functionalities in water distribution/collection systems/urban flooding applications, compared to other urban modelling software solutions.

Some participants´comments:

"The first acquaintance with the software was exactly what I was expecting when I registered".

"I had the chance to meet people that have been or are currently working in the same area I will be working in the future".

For further information please contact Elias Moussoulis, Director, DHI Greece

MIKE by DHI User Seminars in South America November 2009

This seminar tour went to Peru, Argentina and Chile and was arranged in collaboration with our local software agents Cesar Rodriguez Buendia, Martin Marazzi and Carmen Gloria Leon. In general the purpose of the seminars is to create local forums where solutions to water related problems using MIKE by DHI model technology are shared. Further, demonstrations of how solutions have been achieved by local users of MIKE by DHI technology and by DHI, will inspire existing and potential users to choose DHI as their preferred technology provider within all aspects of water modelling.

With 250 pre-registered participants the interest in DHI modelling technology is steadily increasing in the region. It is very satisfying to experience the interest and respect for the DHI brand, and the proficiency and knowledge with which local users use MIKE by DHI products. The interest in water-related problems was reflected in the high standard of the discussions these generates.

Read more here. You can also read more about the seminar in Peru here.

For further information please contact Bo Mogensen, Regional Software Sales Coordinator or Alejandro Lasarte, Regional Manager for DHI Solutions

DHI North America organised an open enrolment FEFLOW training course in Denver, Colorado, 10 - 12 November, 2009

The 3-days course provided 11 participants with a basic introduction to FEFLOW using the brand new user interface of FEFLOW 6. Also more advanced modelling topics such as the simulation of unsaturated flow, fractures and mine workings, and density-dependent flow were taught. The trainees provided inputs from their own applications.

Feedback included that the course was "well organised" and "covered an immense amount of material", but also that we "could make the course even longer, possibly a 5 day course". Also the basic concept of having the participants decide about the more advanced course topics was well accepted:"Nicely done with exercises and then taking topics from class. Instructor was knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of topics" (Norwest Corporation).

For further information please contact Peter Schätzl, FEFLOW Product Manager, DHI-WASY

2 largest Russian municipal water companies interested in MIKE URBAN

On 11 November VOLGA Ltd., DHI Agent for Russia, arranged a meeting and demonstration of MIKE URBAN CS and WD for the VODOKANALS of Moscow and Saint Petersburg - the management of the two largest Russian municipal water companies. The meeting, which was attended by 12 high level officials of the two companies, included presentation of practical applications and examples of wastewater and storm water networks models and advanced MIKE URBAN features demonstration. Both companies have been working with MIKE NET and MOUSE for a long period of time but are now looking into the possibility of establishing extensive MIKE URBAN network models.

For further information please contact Michael Galant (Михаил Галант) - Director VOLGA Ltd.

MIKE by DHI User Group Meetings in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam, 3 & 5 November 2009

Around 100 participants - existing as well as potential MIKE users from the Vietnamese water sector and research institutions - joined the two user group meetings.

The technical programmes consisted of a sound blend of Vietnamese user project applications, presentations, MIKE by DHI software presentations, and elaboration on the development plans of the MIKE software.

The meetings were characterised by an extremely high level of interaction and exchange of ideas and discussions amongst the participants themselves and with the DHI experts!

Comments from the events:

• "It was such a great event. I will certainly look into setting up a plan for my University to obtain a deeper understanding of the MIKE products". By Do Van De, Director of Institute of Port and Maritime Technique
• "MIKE by DHI is the most popular modelling tool in Vietnam today for water and environment research activities. As a researcher I found it most interesting to understand and appreciate the potential of MIKE in relation to climate change and urban flooding - issues that have extremely high priority in Vietnam today". By Vo Khac Tri, Deputy Director, Southern Institute of Water Resource Research
• "We highly appreciated the MIKE URBAN presentations. There is no doubt that MIKE FLOOD is a very important tool to apply in our urban flooding activities". By Thai Gia Khanh, Deputy Director, Institute of Water Resource Planning

The DHI Vietnam and Denmark teams want to thank all participants for attending and sharing their experiences! We will be happy to see you again for our UGMs in 2011.

Chân thành cảm ơn!

For further information please contact Tran Thi Hong Hanh, Director, DHI Vietnam.

6th Asia-Pacific MIKE by DHI Software Conference, 12 - 13 October 2009, Singapore

6th Asia Pacific Conference opened by Guest-of-Honour, Dr Nigel Goh, Assistant Director of the National Biodiversity Centre, National Parks Board of Singapore.

The regional Conference had an innovative twist of a combination of a MIKE by DHI software user conference and special thematic sessions drawing on hot topics of the moment in Asia like climate change and flooding issues. There was also a special session on ecology, touching on topics within the Marine ECO Lab software, marine biology fields and even "green-building" ideas. The Conference drew an attendance of approximately 100 people from the region and attendees were from all sectors of the environmental industry: governmental agencies, academia, private developers, builders, architects, consultants and researchers.

Keynote addresses included distinguished speakers from the Singapore Economic Board, Broadway Malyan (an international architectural firm focused on green designs), Willis Singapore (re insurance company) and the DHI-NTU Research Centre.

For further information please contact Ms Jasmine Foo, DHI Singapore

"International MIKE by DHI Conference 2010 - Modelling in a World of Change" to take place in Copenhagen 6-8 September 2010.

We aim to bring together our entire global MIKE by DHI user community and all interested modellers from all over the world in order to discuss past experiences and future challenges of modelling in a changing world.

Dr Michael Abbott
Key Note Speaker
"Past Experiences and Future Development of Numerical Modelling
in A Changing and Challenging World"

Deadline for submission of abstracts: 10 May 2010.

Conference topics:

• Climate change adaptation
• Integrated Water Resources Management and water mitigation
• Flood management & control
• Urban water management
• Water quality & environmental modelling
• Decision Support Systems and processes
• Coastal/marine water & environment

Venue: The Clarion Hotel Copenhagen

Conference Galla dinner: Monday 6 September in the beautiful hall of the National Museum in Copenhagen.

Free training sessions for Conference participants: 9-10 September 2010 at the DHI training facilities, DHI DK - Hørsholm

A number of “Sponsor Options” are available.

Further information:

1st Australia & New Zealand FEFLOW® Users Workshop “FEFLOW Down Under 2010” 4-6 May 2010, Sydney, Australia

The 1st Australian & New Zealand FEFLOW User Workshop, FEFLOW down under, will mark the launch of FEFLOW 6.0 for those of you who were unable to attend the launch in Berlin earlier this year. FEFLOW 6.0 will take the industry standard for groundwater modelling software to a new level of sophistication and usability. The workshop will consist of 2 days including keynotes and presentations from leading industries as well as the FEFLOW 6.0 development team. There will also be a 1 day training course for users wanting to fast track their skill development in FEFLOW 6.0.

For further information please contact Matthias Paetsch, DHI Australia, or visit the workshop conference website

MIKE by DHI User Group Meeting & DHI Solution Software Seminar

24-25 February, New Delhi, India
Free training sessions, 26 February 2010

The days will cover a large spectrum of activities: MIKE by DHI & DHI Solution Software presentations, user presentations, advanced DHI Solutions Decision Support Systems. Training sessions in the application of the MIKE products will take place on Friday 26 February.

We have chosen the India Habitat Centre in the exciting and international city of New Delhi as the venue for our User Group Meeting.

For further information please contact Mr Neeraj Dixit, DHI India

3rd DHI New Zealand User Group Meeting, 15-16 March, Auckland, New Zealand

We welcome everyone, from modeller to manager, to this event which we expect will include input from our local users as well as DHI local and international presenters. It is a good chance to get the community together and share knowledge and ideas, catch up with old acquaintances as well as meeting new people.

Deadline for abstracts: 1 February 2010

For further information and registration please contact the user group secretariat or visit the website.

Every year more than 2,500 current and future users attend our global MIKE software training and courses. Participants come from governmental agencies, regional and local water bodies, research institutions and universities, professional bodies and engineering companies, urban water utilities, coastal and harbour authorities.

The following training schemes are offered:

• Public standard courses
  Our standard courses are modular and allow you to build your expertise so as to match the requirements of your job. Likewise, they assist you in expanding/upgrading your team’s productivity, modelling skills and expertise in a quick, efficient and cost-effective way.
• Tailored courses
  Our customised courses are based upon your own data and range from short courses to longer, specialised training packages. These courses are typically offered at your own premises.
• Online webinars
  Webinars give you an overview of the basic features of our MIKE by DHI tools.

Further information
Our Global Course Calendar always tells you when, where and which courses are offered in your country or region. Also have a look in our 2010 Course Catalogue here or contact our International Course Secretariat

We are pleased to announce our Global Software Training Calendar for 2010.

Should the training course of your interest not be on the list, please feel free to contact our International Course Secretariat at DHI in Denmark or your local DHI office.