This post describes how to use six new commands introduced in the June 2022 release (Revision 2409) of HydroGeoSphere that simplify the definition of observation points in your models. These commands allow you to assign observation points based on absolute elevations or depth from ground surface, making it easier to work with field data and reducing manual input. Conceptually, these commands streamline the process by allowing direct placement of observation points relative to known reference levels. We find these commands particularly useful for efficiently defining observation networks and improving model setup workflows.

This post describes how to use the use tabulated unsaturated functions command, introduced in the May 2022 release (Revision 2397) of HydroGeoSphere, to streamline the implementation of tabular constitutive relationships for unsaturated flow. By automating the process of generating and applying unsaturated tables, this command reduces manual steps and can improve model runtimes. However, in some cases, using unsaturated tables may introduce additional computational overhead. We find this command particularly useful for users working with van Genuchten or Brooks-Corey functions who want to optimize performance while maintaining accuracy.