> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://water-strategy.gitbook.io/waterstrategy/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://water-strategy.gitbook.io/waterstrategy/tutorials/creating-and-running-a-simple-model/creating-and-running-a-model/setting-up-a-project-and-network.md).

# Setting up a Project and Network

This tutorial introduces first steps in WaterStrategy, including:

* **creating a project and a network**,
* adding different types of nodes including a catchment node and water demand represented by an output node,
* **adding data** to the nodes
* creating two different **scenarios**, and
* **visualizing and comparing** modelled time-series outputs between the scenarios

Please follow the steps below. The video also details the steps in this tutorial. 

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eknj7-lOYEE>" %}

### Create a Project

Projects in WaterStrategy allow organizing and managing water system models effectively. Projects provide a structured environment for organizing models, scenarios, and data, making collaboration easier. They store input data, model configurations, and simulation results in one place. Projects also promote reusability by allowing components and input file data to be reused across multiple models, saving time and effort.

1. In the [‘My projects’](https://hydra.org.uk/projects) page, click on **Create Project.**

![](/files/husr1IxpdLRo3LjO8AJw)

We will name this Project “My First Project”. You can add a description if you would like. Then Click **Add.**

![](/files/WBjc5Z2qHYfWwP0VPCLA)

"My First Project" has been created. Within this project, users can create different versions of a network and upload files such as input data, which will be shared to all the networks in the project.

### Create a Network

A network in WaterStrategy allows to structure and define the components of the water system model. Networks represent the physical and conceptual layout of the system, with each network embodying a specific topology or connection of nodes, such as reservoirs, catchments, and demand nodes. By creating a network, users visually map out the connections between these components. This is called the model **topology**. This helps users understand how water flows through the system and how different elements interact.

Networks in WaterStrategy allow efficient collaboration. Once a network is created, it can be shared with team members, enabling users to work on the same network or give their colleagues their on copy of a network.

Additionally, creating a new network from an existing one is easy – users can simply clone an existing network and then apply modifications to it. This flexibility allows users to quickly iterate on their models, test various hypotheses, and evaluate different management strategies.

1. Click on “My First Project” to go into it

![](/files/gmfhnoqi0mwxjClowDzk)

1. Click on **Create Network**.

![](/files/giW3EHys6GMchB3M7JY5)

1. Click on **Manual**

![](/files/v7Khdz2nS4bNdS0cgRjC)

add a Name and optionally a Description to your Network.

Choose your Template, in this case *Pywr child template v1 (March 2021) – flow units in Mm3/day*.&#x20;

“Use Map” should be selected to show map background layer in the network.

1. Click **Submit**.

“My New Network” is now created!.

![](/files/iZ7WGlVGeaP8yaVOfNLe)


---

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