CHAPTER 2

SWAT INPUT DATA:

WATERSHED CONFIGURATION

The first step in setting up a watershed simulation is to define the relative

arrangement of the parts or elements, i.e. the configuration, of the watershed. If
the watershed has only one primary channel and there is little variation in
topography and climate across the watershed, there may not be a need to partition
the watershed into smaller units. However, the majority of watersheds will exhibit
enough complexity in the stream network, topography or climate to warrant
subdivision for modeling purposes.
There are several techniques used to discretize a watershed. In the past,
models could only apply one type of discretization scheme to a watershed. This

31
 32 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

resulted in the development of several models that differ only in the watershed
discretization scheme used.

2.1 DISCRETIZATION SCHEMES

The three most common techniques used to discretize a watershed are:

♦ Grid cell. This configuration allows the user to incorporate significant

spatial detail into a simulation. Models which use this technique
include AGNPS (Young et al., 1987), ANSWERS (Beasley et al.,
1980) and the WEPP grid version (Foster, 1987).

♦ Representative hillslope. This configuration is useful for modeling

hillslope processes. This technique is used in APEX (Williams, et al.,
1998) and the WEPP hillslope version (Lane and Nearing, 1989).

♦ Subwatershed. This configuration preserves the natural channels

and flow paths of the watershed. This technique is used in the WEPP
watershed version (Foster, 1987), HYMO (Williams and Hann, 1973)
and SWRRB (Arnold et al., 1990).

All of these schemes have strengths, weaknesses and applications for

which they are most appropriate. SWAT uses the subwatershed configuration as
the primary discretization scheme for a watershed. However, because of the
routing command language utilized in SWAT, it is possible to use any of these
three, alone or in combination, to model a watershed.

2.2 WATERSHED CONFIGURATION FILE (.FIG)

The watershed configuration file contains information used by SWAT to
simulate processes occurring within the HRU/subbasin and to route the stream
loadings through the channel network of the watershed. A reach routing command
structure, similar to that developed for HYMO (Williams and Hann, 1973), is
utilized to route and add flows through the watershed. The following sections
review the different features of the watershed configuration file.
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 33

2.2.1 INCORPORATION OF COMMENTS

To assist the user in interpreting the watershed configuration file, an
unlimited number of comment lines are allowed. These comments can be used to
isolate the routing commands for different reaches, etc. To included comments in
the watershed configuration file, a line must have an asterisk (*) in the 1st space
on the line. When SWAT reads the asterisk, it will skip to the next line.

2.2.2 COMMAND LINES

Fifteen different commands may be used in the watershed configuration
file. The commands, along with their numeric codes, are:
finish 0
subbasin 1
route 2
routres 3
transfer 4
add 5
rechour 6
recmon 7
recyear 8
save 9
recday 10
reccnst 11
structure 12
apex 13
saveconc 14
autocal 16
The format of the commands is illustrated in Figure 2-1.
The most commonly used commands are: subbasin, route, add, and finish.
These commands simulate the land phase of the hydrologic cycle and determine
the loadings to the main channel (subbasin), model the movement and
transformations occurring in the main channel (route), allow the output from
different subbasins to be summed together (add), and identify the end of the
routing command sequence (finish).
The remaining commands are utilized to model more unique
configurations. This set of commands can be divided into several subgroups:
routing of water through a reservoir (routres), humanly contrived movement of
34 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

water (transfer), aeration of water resulting from flow through structures along the
channel (structure), incorporation of point source data (rechour, recday, recmon,
recyear, reccnst), formatting of watershed outflow for input into a different
SWAT simulation (save), formatting of water quality simulation results at
specified points in the reach network (saveconc), and identification of auto-
calibration points in the watershed (autocal).
The watershed configuration file is a fixed format file. With fixed format,
the model looks for data only in a particular location on a command line. Spaces
not allocated to variable inputs for a specific command are not processed by the
model. The interfaces commonly use the extra space to write other data or they
insert zeros in the unused columns. Appendix B steps through the set up of
example watershed configuration files and will be very helpful to users trying to
familiarize themselves with the logic of this file.
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 35

Watershed Configuration: SWAT 2012

Command formats:
icode ihout inum1 inum2 inum3 rnum1 inum4
column 1 column 2 column 3 column 4 column 5 column 6 column 7
space 11-16 space 17-22 space 23-28 space 29-34 space 35-40 space 41-46 space 47-55

subbasin 1 HYD_STOR SUB_NUM GIS_CODE

SUBFILE

route 2 HYD_STOR RCH_NUM HYD_NUM FLOW_OVN

RTEFILE SWQFILE

routres 3 HYD_STOR RES_NUM HYD_NUM

RESFILE LWQFILE

transfer 4 DEP_TYPE DEP_NUM DEST_TYPE DEST_NUM TRANS_AMT TRANS_CODE

add 5 HYD_STOR HYD_NUM1 HYD_NUM2

rechour 6 HYD_STOR FILEHR_NUM

FILE_HR

recmon 7 HYD_STOR FILEMON_NUM DRAINAGE_AREA

FILE_MON

recyear 8 HYD_STOR FILEYR_NUM DRAINAGE_AREA

FILE_YEAR

save 9 HYD_NUM FILEMASS_NUM PRINT_FREQ PRINT_FMT

FILE_MASS

recday 10 HYD_STOR FILEDAY_NUM DRAINAGE_AREA

FILE_DAY

reccnst 11 HYD_STOR FILECNST_NUM DRAINAGE_AREA

FILE_CNST

structur 12 HYD_STOR HYD_NUM AERATION_COEF

13

saveconc 14 HYD_NUM FILECONC_NUM PRINT_FREQ

FILE_CONC

15

autocal 16 HYD_NUM FILECAL_NUM PRINT_FREQ

FILE_ACAL

finish 0
Figure 2-1: Commands included in watershed configuration file
36 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.1 FINISH COMMAND (0)

The last command line in the .fig file must be a finish command line. The
finish command notifies the model that the end of the command lines in the
watershed configuration file has been reached. Variables required on the finish
command line are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 0 for the finish command.
Required.

The format of the finish command line is:

Variable name Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 37

2.2.2.2 SUBBASIN COMMAND (1)

The subbasin command simulates all processes involved in the land phase
of the hydrologic cycle and computes runoff, sediment, and chemical loadings
from each HRU within the subbasin. The subbasin command requires 2 lines.
Variables required on the subbasin command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 1 for the subbasin command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number. After a
command is executed, the results are stored in an array at
the position defined by this number. It is crucial that all
hydrograph storage location numbers are unique. If the
same number is used twice, output from one command
line will be overwritten by that from another and
simulation results will be incorrect.
Required.
SUB_NUM Subbasin number. Every subbasin in the watershed has a
different number.
Required.
GIS_CODE GIS code printed to output files.
Optional.
SUBFILE Name of subbasin general input data file (.sub). This file
contains parameters for the subbasin which are reviewed
in Chapter 5.
Required.

The format of the subbasin command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
SUB_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
GIS_CODE 1 space 47-55 9-digit integer i9
SUBFILE 2 space 11-23 character a13
38 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.3 ROUTE COMMAND (2)

The route command routes the water, sediment, and chemical loadings
through a main channel or reach. The route command requires two lines.
Variables required on the route command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 2 for the route command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number. After a
command is executed, the results are stored in an array at
the position defined by this number. It is crucial that all
hydrograph storage location numbers are unique. If the
same number is used twice, output from one command
line will be overwritten by that from another and
simulation results will be incorrect.
Required.
RCH_NUM Reach number. The reach number is the same as the
number of the subbasin in which the reach is located.
Required.
HYD_NUM Inflow hydrograph storage location number. The storage
location containing the data to be routed through the
reach.
Required.
FLOW_OVN Fraction of overland flow (0.000 to 1.000). If flow leaving
a subbasin is completely channelized, FLOW_OVN =
0.000. In cases where a hillslope is being simulated,
overland flow from one subbasin to another occurs and
the value of FLOW_OVN can be increased to account for
the amount of non-channelized overland flow taking place
between the subbasins. The overland flow to the next
subbasin is added to the rainfall of the receiving subbasin
and allowed to infiltrate or run off. The sediment and
chemical loadings associated with the overland flow are
assumed to be deposited on the upper soil layer of the
receiving subbasin. The fraction of the flow in the channel
is routed directly to the reach of the receiving subbasin.
Required.
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 39

Variable name Definition

RTEFILE Name of routing input data file (.rte). This file contains
parameters for the main channel which are reviewed in
Chapter 25.
Required.
SWQFILE Name of stream water quality data file (.swq). This file
contains parameters for water quality simulation in the
reach which are reviewed in Chapter 27.
Required.

The format of the route command lines is:

Variable Line # Position Format F90 Format

name
COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
RCH_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
FLOW_OVN 1 space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
RTEFILE 2 space 11-23 character a13
SWQFILE 2 space 24-36 character a13
40 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.4 ROUTRES COMMAND (3)

The routres command routes water, sediment, and chemical loadings
through a reservoir. The routres command requires two lines. Variables required
on the routres command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 3 for the routres command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for results.
Required.
RES_NUM Reservoir number. Each reservoir modeled in the
watershed must be assigned a unique consecutive number
beginning at 1.
Required.
HYD_NUM Inflow hydrograph storage location number. The storage
location of the data to be routed through the reservoir.
Required.
RESFILE Name of reservoir input file (.res). This file contains
parameters for the reservoir which are reviewed in
Chapter 29.
Required.
LWQFILE Name of reservoir water quality input file (.lwq). This file
contains parameters to model water quality in the
reservoir which are reviewed in Chapter 30.
Optional.

The format of the routres command lines is:

Variable Line # Position Format F90 Format

name
COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
RES_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
RESFILE 2 space 11-23 character a13
LWQFILE 2 space 24-36 character a13
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 41

2.2.2.5 TRANSFER COMMAND (4)

While water is most typically removed from a water body for irrigation
purposes, SWAT also allows water to be transferred from one water body to
another. This is performed with a transfer command in the watershed
configuration file.
The transfer command can be used to move water from any reservoir or
reach in the watershed to any other reservoir or reach in the watershed. The user
must input the type of water source, the location of the source, the type of water
body receiving the transfer, the location of the receiving water body, and the
amount of water transferred.
Three options are provided to specify the amount of water transferred: a
fraction of the volume of water in the source; a volume of water left in the source;
or the volume of water transferred. The transfer is performed every day of the
simulation.
Originally, the transfer command was the only method available to irrigate
an HRU. While the irrigation scenarios are now handled primarily in the
management files, the transfer command was retained for flexibility. This
command should not be used with hourly stream routing. Variables required on
the transfer command line are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 4 for the transfer command.
Required.
DEP_TYPE Water source type:
1 reach
2 reservoir
Required.
DEP_NUM Water source number. The number of the reach or
reservoir from which the flow will be diverted.
Required.
 42 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

Variable name Definition

DEST_TYPE Destination type. Defines the receiving body.
1 reach
2 reservoir
Required.
DEST_NUM Destination number. Number of reach or reservoir
receiving the water.
Required.
TRANS_AMT The flow amount transferred. (defined by
TRANS_CODE).
Required.
TRANS_CODE The rule code governing the transfer of water:
1 A fraction of the flow or volume to be transferred out
of the reach or reservoir is specified
2 A minimum flow (reach) or volume (reservoir) to
leave in the reach or reservoir is specified (m3/sec)
3 An exact amount of water to be transferred is specified
(m3/sec)
Required.
TRANS_SE Sequential transfer command number
MO_TRANSB Month to begin transfer
MO_TRANSE Month to end transfer
IH_TRANS Hydrograph source number

The format of the transfer command line is:

Variable name Line Position Format F90 Format
COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
DEP_TYPE 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
DEP_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DEST_TYPE 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
DEST_NUM 1 space 35-40 6-digit integer i6
TRANS_AMT 1 space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
TRANS_CODE 1 space 47-55 9-digit integer i9
TRANS_SE 1 space 56-58 3-digit integer i3
MO_TRANSB 2 space 11-14 4-digit integer i4
MO_TRANSE 2 space 15-18 4-digit integer i4
IH_TRANS 2 space 19-22 4-digit integer i4
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 43

2.2.2.6 ADD COMMAND (5)

The add command is used to sum the water, sediment, and chemical
loadings of any two hydrographs. Variables required on the add command line
are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 5 for the add command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number to hold the
results.
Required.
HYD_NUM1 The hydrograph storage location number of the 1st set of
data to be added.
Required.
HYD_NUM2 The hydrograph storage location number of the 2nd set of
data to be added.
Required.

The format of the add command line is:

Variable name Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM2 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
44 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.7 RECHOUR COMMAND (6)

The rechour command is one of five routing commands that reads in flow,
sediment and chemical loading records from a file for routing through the
watershed. This command is useful for reading in point source data or data from
simulations of upstream areas. The rechour command is used to read in data
summarized on an hourly basis. The rechour command requires two lines.
Variables required on the rechour command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 6 for the rechour command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for the records.
Required.
FILEHR_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each rechour command.
Required.
DRAINAGE_AREA Drainage area associated with records (km2).
Optional.
FILE_HR Name of file containing hourly records. Parameters
included in the file are reviewed in Chapter 31.
Required.

The format of the rechour command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILEHR_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DRAINAGE_ARE 1 space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
A
FILE_HR 2 space 11-23 character a13
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 45

2.2.2.8 RECMON COMMAND (7)

The recmon command is one of five routing commands that reads in flow,
sediment and chemical loading records from a file for routing through the
watershed. The recmon command is used to read in data summarized by month.
The recmon command requires two lines. Variables required on the recmon
command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 7 for the recmon command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for the records.
Required.
FILEMON_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each recmon command.
Required.
DRAINAGE_AREA Drainage area associated with records (km2).
Optional.
FILE_MON Name of the file containing the monthly records.
Parameters included in the file are reviewed in Chapter
31.
Required.

The format of the recmon command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILEMON_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DRAINAGE_AREA 1 space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
FILE_MON 2 space 11-23 character a13
46 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.9 RECYEAR COMMAND (8)

The recyear command is one of five routing commands that reads in flow,
sediment and chemical loading records from a file for routing through the
watershed. The recyear command is used to read in annual output. The recyear
command requires two lines. Variables required on the recyear command lines
are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 8 for the recyear command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for the records.
Required.
FILEYR_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each recyear command.
Required.
DRAINAGE_AREA Drainage area associated with records (km2).
Optional.
FILE_YR Name of file containing annual records. Parameters
included in the file are reviewed in Chapter 31.
Required.

The format of the recyear command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILEYR_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DRAINAGE_AREA 1 space 41-46 decimal(xx.xxx) f6.3
FILE_YR 2 space 11-23 character a13
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 47

2.2.2.10 SAVE COMMAND (9)

The save command allows the user to print daily SWAT output to the
output file specified. This output file can then be read into another SWAT run
using the recday command. Up to 10 save commands are allowed in a given
watershed configuration file. Variables required on the save command line are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 9 for save command.
Required.
HYD_NUM The hydrograph storage location number of the data to be
printed to file.
Required.
FILESAVE_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each save command.
Required.
PRINT_FREQ Printing frequency. For simulations using a sub-daily time
step, water quality information may be summarized and
printed for every hour or every day. Simulations using a
daily time step will always print daily average values.
0 report daily averages
1 report hourly averages
The default printing frequency is to print daily averages.
Required.
PRINT_FMT Printing format. This variable allows users to output data
in two different formats.
0 SWAT code format
1 SWAT/ArcView Interface format
If the SWAT/ArcView Interface is being used to set up
datasets, this variable will format the output from the save
command to be imported by the interface.
Required.
FILE_MASS Name of file to which the water quality information is
written.
Required.
48 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

The format of the save command line is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILESAVE_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
PRINT_FREQ 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
PRINT_FMT 1 space 35-40 6-digit integer i6
FILE_MASS 2 space 11-23 character a13

2.2.2.11 RECDAY COMMAND (10)

The recday command is one of five routing commands that reads in flow,
sediment and chemical loading records from a file for routing through the
watershed. This command is useful for reading in point source data or data from
simulations of upstream areas. The recday command is used to read in data
summarized on a daily basis. The recday command requires two lines. Variables
required on the recday command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 10 for the recday command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for the records.
Required.
FILEDAY_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each recday command.
Required.
DRAINAGE_AREA Drainage area associated with records (km2).
Optional.
FILE_DAY Name of file containing daily records. Parameters in this
file are reviewed in Chapter 31.
Required.
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 49

The format of the recday command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILEDAY_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DRAINAGE_AREA 1 space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
FILE_DAY 2 space 11-23 character a13

2.2.2.12 RECCNST COMMAND (11)

The reccnst command is one of five routing commands that reads in flow,
sediment and chemical loading records from a file for routing through the
watershed. This command is useful for reading in point source data. The reccnst
command is used to read in average annual data. The reccnst command requires
two lines. Variables required on the reccnst command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 11 for the reccnst command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for the records.
Required.
FILECNST_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each reccnst command.
Required.
DRAINAGE_AREA Drainage area associated with records (km2).
Optional.
FILE_CNST Name of file containing average annual records.
Parameters in this file are reviewed in Chapter 31.
Required.
50 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

The format of the reccnst command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILECNST_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
DRAINAGE_AREA 1 space 41-46 decimal(xx.xxx) f6.3
FILE_CNST 2 space 11-23 character a13
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 51

2.2.2.13 STRUCTURE COMMAND (12)

The structure command simulates aeration caused by the tumbling of
water as it moves over weirs or other structures along the stream network. In
highly polluted streams, the aeration of the stream by this method is a significant
source of oxygen. The structure command alters the dissolved oxygen content
based on the aeration coefficient input by the user. Variables required on the
structure command line are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 12 for the structure command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number for results.
Required.
HYD_NUM Inflow hydrograph storage location number. The data that is to be
adjusted to reflect aeration. (Dissolved oxygen content is the only
value that is altered with this command.)
Required.
AERATION_COEF Aeration coefficient.
Butts and Evans (1983) documents the following relationship that
can be used to estimate the reaeration coefficient:
rea = 1 + 0.38 ⋅ coef a ⋅ coef b ⋅ h fall ⋅ (1 − 0.11 ⋅ h fall ) ⋅ (1 + 0.046 ⋅ Twater )
where rea is the reaeration coefficient, coef a is an empirical water
quality factor, coef b is an empirical dam aeration coefficient, h fall
is the height through which water falls (m), and Twater is the
average water temperature (°C).
52 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

Variable name Definition

AERATION_COEF, The empirical water quality factor is assigned a value based on the
cont. condition of the stream:
coef a = 1.80 in clean water
coef a = 1.60 in slightly polluted water
coef a = 1.00 in moderately polluted water
coef a = 1.00 in moderately polluted water
coef a = 0.65 in grossly polluted water
The empirical dam aeration coefficient is assigned a value based
on the type of structure:
coef b = 0.70 to 0.90 for flat broad crested weir
coef b = 1.05 for sharp crested weir with straight slope face
coef b = 0.80 for sharp crested weir with vertical face
coef b = 0.05 for sluice gates with submerged discharge
Required.

The format of the structure command is:

Variable name Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
AERATION_COEF space 41-46 decimal (xx.xxx) f6.3
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 53

2.2.2.14 APEX COMMAND (13)

The apex command allows the model to read from a daily APEX output
file.
The apex command requires two lines. Variables required on the apex
command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 13 for the apex command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number of the data get
from the subbasin command.
Required.
FILECONC_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each APEX command.
Required.
APEX_IN Name of APEX output file to be read into SWAT.
Required.

The format of the apex command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILECONC_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
APEX_IN 2 space 11-23 character a13
 54 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

2.2.2.15 SAVECONC COMMAND (14)

The saveconc command saves flow, sediment and water quality indicator
information from a specified point on the reach network to a file. The water
quality information is reported as concentrations. This command is useful for
isolating reach information at a particular point on the channel network. Up to 50
saveconc commands can be specified in the watershed configuration file.
The saveconc command requires two lines. Variables required on the
saveconc command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 14 for the saveconc command.
Required.
HYD_NUM The hydrograph storage location number of the data to be
printed to file.
Required.
FILECONC_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each saveconc command.
Required.
PRINT_FREQ Printing frequency. For simulations using a sub-daily time
step, water quality information may be summarized and
printed for every hour or every day. Simulations using a
daily time step will always print daily average values.
0 report daily averages
1 report hourly averages
If no printing frequency is specified, the model will print
daily averages.
Required.
FILE_CONC Name of file to which the water quality information is
written.
Required.
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 55

The format of the saveconc command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILECONC_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
PRINT_FREQ 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
FILE_CONC 2 space 11-23 character a13

2.2.2.16 AUTOCAL COMMAND (16)

The autocal command identifies the location on the stream network that
will be targeted in the automated method (calibration/sensitivity analysis).
Measured data used to calibrate the simulation must be provided in the file
specified in this command. Up to 10 autocal commands can be specified in a
watershed configuration file.
The autocal command requires two lines. Variables required on the
autocal command lines are:
56 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 16 for the autocal command.
Required.
HYD_NUM The hydrograph storage location number of the simulated
data to be used in the calibration process.
Required.
FILECAL_NUM The file number. Unique file numbers should be used for
each autocal command.
Required.
PRINT_FREQ Printing frequency. For simulations using a sub-daily time
step, measured data to be used in the calibration process
may be summarized on an hourly or daily basis.
Simulations using a daily time step will always require
daily measured data.
0 measured data summarized on a daily basis
1 measured data summarized on an hourly basis
Required.
FILE_ACAL Name of file containing the measured data to be used to
calibrate the dataset at the specified point.
Required.

The format of the autocal command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
FILECAL_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
PRINT_FREQ 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
FILE_ACAL 2 space 11-23 character a13
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 57

2.2.2.17 ROUTE UNIT COMMAND (17)

The route unit command develops outputs for each routing unit and stores
the output in varoute for further routing across the landscape and through rivers
and reservoirs. The route unit command requires 2 lines. Variables required on
the route command lines are:

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 17 for the route unit landscape
command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number. After a
command is executed, the results are stored in an array at
the position defined by this number. It is crucial that all
hydrograph storage location numbers are unique. If the
same number is used twice, output from one command
line will be overwritten by that from another and
simulation results will be incorrect.
Required.
RU_NUM Routing unit number. The routing unit number is
sequential for each subbasin. In other words, it starts over
at 1 for each subbasin.
Required.
SUB_NUM Subbasin number. The subbasin containing the routing
unit.
Required.
Drainage area of routing unit (km2).
DARU_KM Required.
RUFILE Name of routing unit data file. This file contains
parameters for the routing unit and hru fractions which are
reviewed in Chapter 41 (?).
Required.
58 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

The format of the routunit command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
RU_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
SUB_NUM 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
RU_FILE 2 space 11-23 character a13

2.2.2.18 ROUTE LANDSCAPE COMMAND (18)

The route landscape command simulates all processes involved in routing,
runoff, sediment, and chemical loadings across a landscape unit. Surface runoff,
lateral soil flow, groundwater flow and tile flow can all be routed independently
across a landscape unit. Surface runoff and tile flow are routed across the soil
surface, lateral soil flow is added to the soil profiles, and groundwater flow is
added to recharge the following day. The route landscape command requires 1
line. Variables required on the subbasin command lines are:
 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 59

Variable name Definition

COMMAND The command code = 18 for the route landscape
command.
Required.
HYD_STOR The hydrograph storage location number. After a
command is executed, the results are stored in an array at
the position defined by this number. It is crucial that all
hydrograph storage location numbers are unique. If the
same number is used twice, output from one command
line will be overwritten by that from another and
simulation results will be incorrect.
Required.
LU_NUM Landscape (or routing unit) number. The landscape (or
routing unit) and chemicals are routed through.
Required.
HYD_NUM Inflow hydrograph storage location number. The storage
location containing the data to be routed through the
reach.
Required.
SUB_NUM Subbasin number. The subbasin containing the landscape
unit. Required.
SURQ_RCO Surface runoff routing code. If SURQ_RCO=0 then route
surface runoff across the landscape unit. Required.
LATQ_RCO Lateral flow routing code. If LATQ_RCO=0 then route
surface runoff across the landscape unit. Required.
GWQ_RCO Groundwater flow routing code. If GWQ_RCO = 0 then
route surface runoff across the landscape unit. Required.
TILEQ_RCO Tile flow routing code. If TILEQ_RCO=1 then route
surface runoff across the landscape unit. Required.
 60 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012

The format of the route landscape command lines is:

Variable name Line # Position Format F90 Format

COMMAND 1 space 11-16 6-digit integer i6
HYD_STOR 1 space 17-22 6-digit integer i6
LU_NUM 1 space 23-28 6-digit integer i6
HYD_NUM 1 space 29-34 6-digit integer i6
SUB_NUM 1 space 35-40 6-digit integer i6

SURQ-RCO 1 space 41-46 6-digit integer i6

LATQ_RCO 1 space 46-51 6-digit integer i6

GWQ_RCO 1 space 52-57 6-digit integer i6

TILEQ_RCO 1 space 58-63 6-digit integer i6

 CHAPTER 2: SWAT INPUT—WATERSHED CONFIGURATION 61

2.3 REFERENCES
Arnold, J.G., J.R. Williams, A.D. Nicks, and N.B. Sammons. 1990. SWRRB, a
basin scale simulation model for soil and water resources management.
Texas A&M University Press, College Station, TX.
Beasley, D.B., L.F. Huggins, and E.J. Monke. 1980. ANSWERS: A model for
watershed planning. Trans. of the ASAE 23(4): 938-944.
Butts, T.A. and R.L. Evans. 1983. Small stream channel dam aeration
characteristics. Journal, Environmental Engineering Division, ASAE
109:555-573.
Foster, G.R. 1987. User requirements: USDA-Water erosion prediction project.
Lane, L.J. and M.A. Nearing (ed.). 1989. USDA-Water erosion prediction project:
hillslope profile model documentation. NSERL Report No. 2. National
Soil Erosion Research Laboratory. USDA-Agricultural Research Service.
W. Lafayette, IN.
Williams, J.R. J.G. Arnold, R. Srinivasan, and T.S. Ramanarayanan. 1998.
Chapter 33. APEX: a new tool for predicting the effects of climate and
CO 2 changes on erosion and water quality. p. 441-449. In J. Boardman
and D. Favis-Mortlock (ed.) Modeling soil erosion by water. Springer-
Verlag, Berlin.
Williams, J.R. and R.W. Hann. 1973. HYMO: Problem oriented computer
language for hydrologic modeling. USDA ARS-S-9. 76 pp.
Young, R.A. et al. 1987. AGNPS, Agricultural non-point source pollution model:
a watershed analysis tool. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
62 SWAT INPUT/OUTPUT FILE DOCUMENTATION, VERSION 2012