Visual MODFLOW is a modeling platform written for the popular U.S.G.S. MODFLOW and MODPATH programs. The U.S.G.S. codes have not been changed, but are embedded in a user-friendly, pre- and post-processing environment. Visual MODFLOW manages the geographical, hydrogeologic and physical inputs required to run MODFLOW as well as grid design and editing, parameter allocation, execution and interaction of simulation modules and visualization aspects.

The program includes a set of controls that allow the user to build a flow model and conduct particle tracking and velocity vector analyses on the fly. Both input and output can be viewed in areal or cross sectional views. The program includes a menu of platform operations, a toolbox and navigation controls. The menu provides access to all operations of program input and output. The toolbox provides to the user all the necessary tools to build a model. All input is prepared graphically on a background site map (in AUTOCAD DXF format). For example, boundary conditions such as constant head cells or no-flow cells are defined on a grid using a Mouse. Additional grid resolution can be increased anywhere in the domain by adding more rows and columns. This makes it easy to view the site grid and boundary conditions while developing the model domain. Additional layers can be added using the cross sectional view capability with a few clicks of the Mouse. Wells, stream cells, general head boundary cells and drains can be similarly added to the model domain. Hydrogeologic properties, such as recharge, hydraulic conductivity, and evapotranspiration can be added a layer at a time. Zones or polygons to reflect different properties can be created by digitizing the area on the base map with a Mouse. At this time, bottom thicknesses in the uppermost layer cannot be defined, but this will be coming soon in the next version. A few other 3-D features, such as VCONT and complex layer geometry are under development and will not be seen until later versions. Particle origin points are defined with a mouse similar to other features.

The Visual MODFLOW menu system translates all graphical files into MODFLOW and MODPATH input format. File handling during runs is handled by the program, which prevents the user from having to enter all of the input file names. Post-processing is also done in the program, so that head contours, particle tracking (forward or reverse), capture zones, and velocity vectors in areal or cross sectional views can be reviewed without the use of contouring packages. Results can be viewed layer by layer or by row or column. Areas of interest can be zoomed into, and vertical scale can be enlarged for cross-sectional views. For design of containment wells, there is a special well edit window which presents a construction diagram for each well, and the program can adjust for partial penetration. Well locations are added to the base map after review of particle tracking with a click of the Mouse.

Peripheral devices supported include most popular types of printers and plotters. Output graphics include 2D contours in area or cross-sectional view of heads, velocity vectors, particle tracking and capture zones, superimposed on a site map.

Visual MODFLOW is distributed complete with MODFLOW and MODPATH executables. The MODFLOW executable includes the Horizontal Flow Barrier Package, the BCF2 Package, and the PCG2 package.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Intel 80386 or higher based computer, math coprocessor, 8 Mb RAM, with at least 440 Kb free lower memory, 5 Mb free hard disk space, VGA graphics, MS-DOS 5.0 or higher, Mouse, runs as a DOS application under MS Windows.

PRICING

$1100 Visual MODFLOW v. 4.1 Stand alone license
$2400 Visual MODFLOW v. 4.1 Pro
$3400 Visual MODFLOW v. 4.1 Premium

Developers: Waterloo Hydrogeologic Software.