Navigating Extremes


INNOVATION
Real-time data integration not only enhances the
accuracy and timeliness of information but also
empowers decision-makers and the public with
up-to-the-minute insights.
the gap between those who manage resources and
those who rely on them, creating a more resilient
and informed society capable of addressing the
pressing water management issues of our times.
Some types of GIS applications are static as they are updated
only once new information is compiled and becomes available.
With the possibility of integrating real-time data updates, the
potential for these platforms grows significantly.
The move towards integrating information in real time is
possible through direct connections with numerous sources such
as sensors, meters, other databases and information systems.
For example, a digital map displaying watershed delineations
can also display discharge levels in real-time from select stations equipped with specialized equipment. Precipitation data,
groundwater levels and water temperature are other environmental variables that can easily be collected and transmitted
instantaneously by instruments in the field.
Real-time data integration not only enhances the accuracy
and timeliness of information but also empowers decision-makers and the public with up-to-the-minute insights into critical
factors such as water availability, drought levels and impending
storm surges. In addition, sharing this information publicly
creates opportunities for those in private industry and academic
settings to innovate, analyze and build models and solutions that
leverage this data, leading to a net economic benefit.
Actionable insights
Harvesting actionable insights from GIS applications represents a significant step forward in
leveraging the power of spatial information for
effective decision making in times of water supply
management challenges and uncertainty. For
government agencies that are responsible for ensuring the health
and safety of their citizens, being able to refer to high-quality,
comprehensive and up-to-date information allows for data-driven decision-making.
If a major storm is forecasted off the coast of Nova Scotia,
authorities can refer to flood risk models and applications to assess what key infrastructure such as hospitals, fire stations, police
stations, continuing care centres, and major highways may be
impacted under certain flood scenarios. In response, they can decide to take preemptive measures, such as initiating evacuations,
putting into motion emergency response plans and fortifying
vulnerable infrastructure to mitigate the potential impacts and
ensure the safety and well-being of the affected communities.
These insights extend beyond short-term emergency response.
While these types of GIS platforms can provide vital information
during extreme weather events and distinct water supply scenarios,
they also equip decision-makers with the knowledge needed for
proactive, long-term planning. For instance, a flood risk application with predictive capabilities can help identify priority areas
for future mitigation and adaptation strategies, such as upgrading
coastal infrastructure in anticipation of rising sea levels.
Open access
The advancement of digital tools such as Web GIS has also created unique opportunities for government agencies and other data
holders to share information with members of the public and
other stakeholders using open access platforms. These platforms
serve as hubs that connect individuals and communities, regardless of their geographical location, to key data and insights about
water-related challenges and environmental conditions.
By providing unrestricted access to vital information using
applications that monitor drought, flood risk, water quality or
any number of water management events and scenarios, governments provide opportunities for citizens, decision makers and
researchers to harness the power of GIS tools and real-time data
to make informed choices.
These applications democratize information, fostering transparency, collaboration, and community engagement, which is
critical in the face of increasing climate-related risks. Open access platforms not only span geographical divides but also bridge
Sink or swim
GIS applications, including comprehensive datasets that are updated in real-time and that are shared via open-access platforms,
will be essential for addressing the growing challenges of water
management and extreme weather events exacerbated by climate
change, such as drought and flooding events.
By harvesting insights generated by integrating multiple
sources of information, communities and decision-makers
across Canada—and indeed worldwide—are better equipped to
address the pressing water management and supply challenges
imposed by climate change, creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
Governments at various levels, including First Nations governments, use Esri tools to serve their communities every day.
This helps them to identify current and future needs in a rapidly
changing world and climate, ensuring they have the technological resources and personnel to manage water resources and
respond to water-related crises effectively.
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WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2024
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
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