Next Generation Information Tools

Managers of ecosystems (including coastal waters, freshwater, groundwater, sediments, and soils) need to understand both current and past conditions, trends and expected future changes. The effect of human activities and project plans has to be assessed in order to evaluate their potential impacts.

Supporting the management of ecosystems

Quantitative models and tools can support the management of ecosystems by describing how the natural systems function and how they respond to man-made or natural changes. Deltares models, in combination with monitoring data comprise information systems which provide timely and fit-for-purpose information about the status of the natural system. These models, tools and information systems are the focus of the ‘New Generation Information Tools’ (NGIT) programme.  This software is used not only by Deltares in research and specialized consultancy work, but also by other companies, governments and other organizations. New software is increasingly being developed in open communities.

Internationally leading position

Deltares provides world-class software for (the eco)system modelling of water, sediment, soils and groundwater quality. Methods and instruments are available for real-time water quality information and warning systems as support for strategic monitoring, data management, data value adding, and the assessment of the quality of groundwater and surface water, soils and sediments. Deltares has an internationally leading position in the area of describing chemical and ecological processes at the boundaries of disciplines (such as ecology, morphology), compartments (groundwater-surface water, for example) and system boundaries (‘from land parcel to sea’). Deltares collaborates with other organisations and institutes to incorporate this knowledge in software and instruments.

Interactive and user-friendly

Deltares software has been developed to fulfil the following requirements:

The tools and instruments address water-quality issues in an integrated way, and at the relevant time and spatial scales.  The tools and instruments are interactive and user-friendly, so they can be used by other research institutes, government parties or commercial organisations. They help to assess different options and support decision-making. The concerns of the users are central place to development.