QGIS and FLO-2D Plugin Install Instructions

QGIS is an open-source geographic information system software designed for spatial data analysis and visualization. The FLO-2D Plugin uses QGIS tools to effectively prepare FLO-2D data, providing an enhanced modeling experience within a user-friendly environment.

Step 1: QGIS Installation

Choose one of the following methods:

Option A – QGIS Latest Long-Term Release (Recommended)

The following method uses the OSGeo4W Network Installer to install the current QGIS LTR version and adds Python modules such as h5py and netCDF4.

1. Download the OSGeo4W Installer

OSGeo4W Installer

Choose the OSGeo4W Network Installer for 64-bit Windows.

2. Launch the Installer

Run osgeo4w-setup.exe and choose Express Installation from the main menu.

3. Select the download site

Choose a download site from the list provided.

4. Select Packages to Install

Enable the following items:

• QGIS (optional)

• QGIS (LTR)

• GDAL

• GRASS GIS (optional)

5. Accept the Dependencies

Install the dependencies when prompted.

6. Accept the License Agreements

Accept the license agreements to continue.

The installation should start. This may take some time depending on your internet connection.

Click the Finish button when the installation is complete.

7. Install Additional Python Modules

Run the OSGeo4W Setup program again and select Advanced Install.

Click Next until reaching the package selection screen.

Filter the package list by typing h5py in the search box. Click the Skip button to select the latest version for installation.

Repeat the process for netCDF4.

Accept any dependencies.

Click Next and Finish to complete the installation.

8. Verify Installation

Search for and select the following packages:

• h5py

• netCDF4

Run the OSGeo4W Shell from the Start Menu.

Run the following commands inside the OSGeo4W Shell:

python -c "import h5py; print('h5py:', h5py.__version__)"
python -c "import netCDF4; print('netCDF4:', netCDF4.__version__)"

A version number indicates a successful installation.

Option B – QGIS Stand Alone Older Versions

Follow these instructions to set up an older version of QGIS.

Get an old stand alone installer from the QGIS download archive:

QGIS Installer Archive

Note

The images reference QGIS version 3.34 and 3.28 but the steps are the same for any stand alone version of QGIS.

1. Double click the QGIS installer.

2. Finish installing with the default settings.

Step 2: QGIS Setup Profile

Build a QGIS User Profile by following these steps:

Important

This step should be performed by the End User. If it is done on an Admin account, the profile will only be available on the Admin account.

1. Open QGIS. Any version newer than 3.30 should work.

2. Click Settings → Options.

3. Click the CRS tab and set the options shown below.

Important

This step is critical for the FLO-2D Plugin to function properly.

Step 3: Install FLO-2D Plugin

Warning

Restart QGIS at the conclusion of Step 3 to Save the User Profile.

1. Add the FLO-2D Plugin Repository. Copy this link to the clipboard. Ctrl-C.

   https://flo-2dsoftware.github.io/FLO-2D-Plugins/plugins.xml

2. Open to the Plugin Manager and Find the Settings tab.

3. Click the Add button to add the FLO-2D Plugin Repository.

4. Fill the form with the repository URL and click OK.

5. Install the FLO-2D Plugins.

   Switch to the All Plugins tab and filter the list with “FLO-2D”.

   Install the following plugins:

Step 4: Recommended Plugins

1. These additional plugins are helpful for FLO-2D Model Development.

2. These plugins can be installed from the All Plugins menu:

   • Quick Map Services

   • Profile Tool

   • Curve Number Generator

   • Manning’s Roughness Generator

   • Street View

   • QuickOSM

3. Quick Map Services requires an additional step.

   Click the QMS icon → Settings → More Services → Get Contributed Pack.

This concludes the installation and setup. Please restart QGIS to save the profile. Tutorial data is located here:

C:\Users\Public\Documents\FLO-2D PRO Documentation\Example Projects\QGIS Tutorials

Setup Older FLO-2D Plugins (Not Required)

Older versions of the FLO-2D Plugin can be downloaded from the following link:

Download FLO-2D Plugin

Note

A dedicated QGIS User Profile is recommended when working with older versions of the FLO-2D Plugin.

1. Open QGIS and access the Settings menu.

2. Select New Profile.

3. QGIS loads in a default state. All required settings must be configured for the new profile.

4. Add the required previous build of the FLO-2D Plugin by opening the Plugin Manager.

5. Select the Install from ZIP tab.

6. Navigate to the downloaded ZIP file and select the plugin.

7. Accept the security warning when prompted.

Note

The FLO-2D plugin toolbar now reflects version 0.10.115.

Return to Step 2 to complete the QGIS setup and install any additional required plugins.