Safe Hydroinformatics

Abstract

Hydroinformatics is a multidisciplinary subject that addresses the management of the aquatic environment using information technology. The task of management is complicated by the uncertainty surrounding many of the scientific processes that are inherent to the aquatic environment and by the number of stakeholders concerned to utilise and preserve the environment as a sustainable resource. Any hydroinformatics system will reflect something of the complexity of the processes and demands of the stakeholders. An important function of a hydroinformatics system is its ability to support its users in helping them to achieve their objectives, namely in managing a particular aspect of the aquatic environment. Inevitably such management involves decision making on the basis of a wide range of information of different types and from various sources. An inexperienced user can easily misunderstand historic data and textual information, mishandle the building, development and application of models, and misinterpret their results. Consequently the opportunities for incorrect conclusions and poor decision making are many There is a need for better tools that can generate a safe environment in which users can be expected to achieve more reliable decisions. This can be effected by supporting the user in his or her decision making. In particular, a decision support system can provide the framework for accessing relevant information, marshalling and analysing the data, and making informed decisions.