---
title: "Create a spatial diagnostics file"
slug: "how-to-create-a-spatial-diagnostics-file"
description: "Learn how to create a spatial diagnostics file from the general tab. "
tags: ["running simulations", "2D modelling", "error messages and diagnostics"]
updated: 2022-10-12T18:31:37Z
published: 2022-10-12T18:31:37Z
canonical: "help.floodmodeller.com/how-to-create-a-spatial-diagnostics-file"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.floodmodeller.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create a spatial diagnostics file

The data within diagnostic files can help with identifying issues and troubleshooting these if necessary. A spatial diagnostics file is of particular value for 2D simulations as it can be used to locate potentially problematic areas within your domain.

To create a spatial diagnostics file:

1. Within your 2D simulation, navigate to the **General** tab.
2. Ensure the checkbox **Generate spatial diagnostic output** is checked and amend the limits/thresholds below if needed.
3. **Save** and **Run** the simulation. Your 2D diagnostics file will be saved by default as [name_of_time_series_outputs]_diagnostics.sdd, e.g. **output-Domain 1_diagnostics.sdd**. This will be saved in the same location as your 2D results files. You can check your simulation log file to confirm the name and location.

![spatial_diagnostics](https://cdn.document360.io/5074bc26-a9ef-4bf4-b1de-a5c6ce628aca/Images/Documentation/spatial_diagnostics.PNG)

NoteIf your spatial diagnostics file doesn't exist after the simulation has completed, it may be that it is empty (i.e. there is nothing to report). Your log file will indicate this with the line **Note: No spatial diagnostics to output.**