Clarification Regarding createSWATMF.exe Usage and HRU Shapefile Issue
Omkar
Dear SWAT–MODFLOW Team,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am currently working on SWAT–MODFLOW coupling for my research and have successfully developed a SWAT model. As I move towards the coupling stage, I would like to seek clarification regarding the executable “createSWATMF.exe,” including its usage, required inputs, and availability of documentation.
In addition, I am facing a specific issue related to the HRU shapefile generated during the HRU definition process in SWAT.
Although the model successfully creates approximately 425 HRUs without any processing errors, the resulting HRU shapefile exhibits noticeable blank or empty spaces within the subbasin boundaries. When inspecting these regions using GIS identification tools, no attribute data is present, indicating that these areas are not associated with any HRU.
Furthermore, the HRU shapefile appears to have a pixelated or grid-like structure rather than smooth polygon boundaries, which differs from the expected HRU representation observed in published studies.
I would like to understand:
- What could be the possible reasons for the occurrence of these blank or unassigned areas within the HRU shapefile?
- Whether this issue is related to HRU threshold settings (land use, soil, slope) or input data resolution mismatches?
- If such gaps indicate excluded land areas due to threshold filtering or errors in spatial processing?
- Whether the presence of these blank areas would affect the functionality of SWAT–MODFLOW coupling, particularly when using createSWATMF.exe for HRU–grid linkage?
I would greatly appreciate any guidance on how to diagnose and resolve this issue to ensure proper HRU representation before proceeding with the coupling process.
I have attached screenshots of the HRU shapefile and the corresponding GIS identification results for your reference.
Thank you for your time and support.
Sincerely,
Omkar Chitme
M.Tech scholar
National Institute of Technology Rourkela
