WaterWare: a Water Resources
Management Information System
WaterWare is a modular, interactive
water resources management information system,
integrating results of the EUREKA project EU487
and related RTD projects;
The system has been developed through a series of applications to:
Implemented in an open, object-oriented architecture, it supports the
seamless integration of numerous tools, databases and models into a
common, easy-to-use framework.
This basic framework includes a multimedia user interface with
Internet access, a hybrid GIS with hierarchical map layers,
object data bases, time series analysis, reporting functions,
an embedded expert system, and a hypermedia help- and explain system.
From a users point of view, WaterWare
consists of a central multimedia information systems component with GIS
and data bases that provides access to a number of analytical tools.
The system integrates information systems components built around a
with a multi-media interface; both an X11 based interface for local
clients in a high-speed LAN, as well as web/browser based clients
(WAN, Internet) are supported.
Linked to this data layer are a set of models, that can perform scenario
analysis, i.e., answer WHAT--IF and HOW--TO questions for various
water quantity and quality issues, as well as related engineering,
environmental, and economic aspects.
WaterWare includes a number of simulation and
optimization models and related tools, such as:
These tools are embedded into a user interface that translates the
specific functionality of a given model into a decision
support tool: the components models and tools are restructured in terms
of decision variables and performance variables, relating to the
objectives, criteria, and constraints of various decision problems.
WaterWare is a modular and data driven system.
It can be configured for customized installation with different sets of
models and tools. Through shared data formats, and the respective filter
programs, third-party tools can be used with the system for special tasks,
for example, image processing or statistical analysis of observation data.
Standard interfaces to data bases and the GIS make the integration of
additional new models easy.
WaterWare is available as a customized turn-key system optionally
including data preparation or training, under an open-ended,
non-transferable site license with optional maintenance and support agreements;
individual modules on top of the base system can be added as required.
The development ToolKit
libraries and the main programs in source
code, allowing user to add their own models and tools, are also available.
For remote support and maintenance, Internet access (e-mail, ftp, telnet)
is highly recommended.
The system is also available under a one year limited trial license,
that can be upgraded into an open-ended license with full credit
for the trial license.
The current developments concentrate on a new client-server architecture
that will allow to link various information resources including on-line
monitoring and telemetry, as well as high-performance computing for
demanding model applications. At the same time, the client-server
architecture will also support access through Intra/Internet browser
software (HTML, JavaScript, Java) for distributed, remote PC/NC clients.
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