.. _export_dat_files:

Export data (\*.DAT) files
===========================

This tool exports the FLO-2D \*.DAT files.

Export FLO-2D \*.DAT Files
---------------------------

.. note:: Set the Control Variables switches before running the Export tool.
          See `Set Control Parameters (CONT.DAT) <../flo-2d-parameters/Control%20Variables.html>`__.


1. Click
   the Export data (\*.DAT) files button.

.. image:: ../../img/Buttons/importexport003.png

2. Navigate to
   the project folder and click Select Folder.

.. image:: ../../img/Export-Project/exportproject3.png

3. Select the
   components that will be exported by checking or unchecking the
   files to be exported and click OK.

.. image:: ../../img/Export-Project/exportproject2.png

.. note:: It is not necessary to export all files every time.
          Export large files like INFIL.DAT or TOPO.DAT only when needed.

Troubleshooting
---------------

1. If data is missing from the grid table, this message will appear. This occurs when the
   elevation raster, roughness polygon, or roughness raster does not fully cover the grid.
   Check the grid attributes for NULL values.

   .. image:: ../../img/Export-Project/exportproject4.png

2. If a component switch is off, an action is taken to correct the switch position using the
   Export dialog box. The following short video demonstrates how the export action works.

   .. raw:: html

      <iframe width="560" height="315"
              src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iVAZcKqD2_w?si=UNr-bT5iegXnyufZ"
              title="YouTube video player"
              frameborder="0"
              allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"
              referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"
              allowfullscreen>
      </iframe>

3. Export warning

   .. warning::
      If you commonly export to the same folder, the **Remove FPLAIN.DAT, CADPTS.DAT, and
      NEIGHBOR.DAT** option may be active. Enable this option if changes were made to grid
      shape, size, elevation, or roughness. Otherwise, the FLO-2D engine will read existing
      files.

   .. image:: ../../img/Quick-Run-Flo2d/quickrun004.png