The Masterdrain suite is a set of programs used primarily for designing and sizing drainage. However, there are many other functions available within the program. The programs are fast and easy to use, but like all complex software, there is a learning curve - the more experienced the user, the less there is to learn. It is important that the user has some knowledge of basic drainage design, as well as the Windows operating systems.
The program is a 32 bit Windows application, and requires Win2000 or XP. A modern PC with a monitor running at 1024 x 768, and a fast graphics card with four to eight megabytes of memory is ideal. A CD-ROM is needed to install the program. If the Wallingford images are downloaded on to a local drive, 1 Gigabyte of space is needed on a fast hard drive.
Masterdrain is a 'maths' program, not a CAD package. It will do all the required calculations and analysis for a range of drainage applications, and display the full results on screen or to the printer. The graphics included in the program - for example, the schematic display of a system - are accurate in themselves, but are primarily there so that the designer can use them for obtaining more information about the system. However, files may be exported as DXF files for incorporation into CAD drawings.