Product

AlterrAqua

AlterrAqua is a programme suite for managing the workflow required to model the hydrology of a study area.

The main AlterrAqua programme is rather versatile. It allows users to:

  • Create and manage alternative models and scenarios
  • Start, monitor and evaluate preprocessing of input data
  • Start, monitor and evaluate a simulation
  • Start, monitor and evaluate post-processing of data

The main AlterrAqua programme is in fact a configurable interface for computational components which implement:

  • Conversion of GIS files to formats suitable for model input
  • Preprocessing of input data
  • Processing of intermediate data
  • Visualising model output

In a number of respects, AlterrAqua assists the user in following the guidelines of Good Modelling Practice (STOWA/RIZA, 1999).

Questions AlterrAqua

In combination with a geographic information system - e.g. ArcGIS, Quantum GIS or ILWIS – the AlterrAqua suite helps to acquire insight into processes occurring at a regional scale (1:10000 to 1:50000). Thus the user can get answers to the following questions:

  • How does the water system react to extreme events?
  • Where do floods occur?
  • How is the flood damage to agriculture distributed geographically?
  • Where should we expect flood damage to agriculture after implementing particular technical measures?
  • How does the groundwater fluctuate under normal, dry or wet climatic circumstances and where should we expect problems?
  • How does the water balance react to expected climate change?
  • Which measures are favourable for realising the right conditions for the desired land use forms?
  • Up to which area does seepage reach into the polder?
  • Where should we expect water shortages and / or reduced evapotranspiration?
  • What is the geographic distribution of groundwater level classes?