Description
The following page presents instructions for user defined labelling and explains how to display a custom multiline label on the horizontal plan. As an example, we display the MUID and Description fields for the links of a model using the 2026 update 1 version and the ground level and invert level for each node in a collection system for a v. 2026 (or older) model.
First the workflow for versions 2026 Update 1 and upwards is described, and then the workflow for versions older than 2026 is demonstrated.
Version 2026 Update 1 and onwards.
#01 – Using the Custom Expression option of Labels.
With MIKE+ 2026 Update1 the option to generate muti line labels on the map has been made readily available through a new functionality that was added at the Labels tab of the Symbology group.
Go to “Layers and symbols” panel find the feature layer (e.g. pipes and canals), single click on “Default” to open the “Symbology settings”. In the “Symbology settings’ it is possible to switch to “Labels”.
In “Labels” it is possible to change the “Label Field” to “Custom Expression” :
In the “Expression” field it is possible to set a multiline expression by means of concatenating “Fields” of the same type (e.g. two string type fields like MUID and Description):
Expression = [MUID] + "\n" + [Description]
The expression consists of the following parts:
“MUID = " and "Description" are two plain text fields in table msm_Link, which will be displayed on the map. All available fields can be found at the "Variables" list.
The individual strings relate to a + sign. (You find the + sign in the "Operator" dropdown menu or just type).
"\n" performs a line break, which is why the label then becomes multiline label, allowing to have one field content over the other.
Further hit on “Apply to Map” to make these labels effective on the Map View.
Sometimes these labels may blend in with the background map lettering specially if one is using “Street Map”. Adding a halo to the “Labels” shown on the map can improve the visibility of the text on the map. These halo labels are presented as outlines around the labels text on the map, while further customization of color and thickness is available, see Figure 5.
Version 2026 and older - Workflow.
This section describes the instructions on how to display a multiline label on the horizontal plan for versions older to 2026 update1. As an example, we display ground level and invert level for each node in a collection system.
#1 - Creating a user defined column and defining the content
Open the "Node" editor
Right-click on the line numbering at the left side of the grid. In the context menu open the context where you can select "Add user defined column"
Fig. 7 - Insert a user defined column
Give the column a name. Using a prefix such as “exp” avoids confusion with MIKE+ generic fields
Choose “Show expression column”. This doesn’t create a proper field in the database, but creates sort of a virtual column. The benefit is that the content is automatically updated, whenever the base fields are changed or a new element is added to the model
Fig. 8 - Column naming and field type description
With <Edit…> open the expressions editor and enter the following expression:
"GL = " + ToString ( [GroundLevel] ) + "\n" + "BL = " + ToString ( [InvertLevel] )
Fig. 9 - Edit the Column Expression command
The expression consists of the following parts:
"GL = " and "BL = " are plain text, which will be displayed on the map.
The individual strings are connected with a + sign. You find the + sign in the "Operator" dropdown menu.
ToString() is a function which is also located in the "Functions“ dropdown menu. It creates a text value from a numerical value.
[GroundLevel] and [Invertlevel] are two fields in the current table msm_Nodes. All fields can be found under the "Variables".
"\n" performs a line break, which is why the label then becomes multiline label.
Confirm with <OK> and again with <OK>
Fig. 10 - Confirmation of column definition settings
The new field is added to the very right of the table grid. The line break is not visible yet
Fig. 11 - Column content data
#02 – Follow this workaround when editing the expression
You can always right click on the column header, choose <Edit expression>, and modify the expression. While this seems to work fine, and the labelling in the map is changed accordingly, the label expression stored in the database is frozen to the state when you first saved it.
Therefore, you have to use the following workaround:
Copy and paste your modified expression somewhere
Delete the column with a right click on the column header
Recreate the expression column and paste the modified expression
Confirm with <OK> and <OK>. Now the modified version is the state when you first saved it
#03 - Adding labels to the Map View
In the “Layers and symbols” panel find the Nodes and single right click on “Default”. That’s the way to open the “Symbology settings”
Fig. 12 - Map symbology customization
Change to tab “Label”
Make labels ☑ Visible
Choose Label field “expLabel” – you’ll find it right at the bottom of the drop-down list
Never forget to <Apply to map>, otherwise you won’t see the effect of your changes!
Fig. 13 - Symbology settings definition
The labels are placed within their Default position. Play with the parameters to improve visibility. Increase font size, and position Lower Right with slightly less offset.
Fig. 14 - Resulting Map Labels visualization
Have you seen our latest video tutorial "MIKE+ | Multiline labelling presented by Thomas Telegdy, our MIKE+ Product Specialist? In just under 10 minutes, Thomas demonstrates how to add multiline labels to the map view in MIKE+.
Conclusion
Labels on the map view help understanding and editing a model. Multiline labels are a compact way of presenting more than one attribute per element.
FURTHER INFORMATION & USEFUL LINKS
Manuals and User Guides
MIKE+ Model Manager User Guide
MIKE+ Online help: Symbology settings
MIKE+ Online help: User defined columns
Training options
MIKE+ CS - Getting started with urban drainage modelling
Video tutorial
MIKE+ | Multiline labelling