Navigating Extremes - WC135 MarApr 2024 - Magazine - Page 17
Navigating Extremes
Getty Images, Map: ArcGIS
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 in
the event of extremes like flood or drought
anywhere in the country.
when a storm surge is predicted. This information can be critical
for timely preparations, such as securing property like boats and
buildings before a storm reaches its full intensity.
What unites two seemingly distinct web applications that
depict severe drought or flooding scenarios is their reliance on
GIS technology. By leveraging GIS tools, government agencies
can provide invaluable spatial information that addresses pressing
water management and supply challenges across Canada. In this
article, we’ll explore how these innovative, GIS-driven solutions
are making a significant difference in managing extreme water
supply scenarios and weather events from coast to coast.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Dynamic and real-time updates
Historically, recording and sharing spatial information relied
heavily on paper maps and static PDFs. With the development
of online tools, such as Web GIS, society has entered an era of
digital transformation where data can be uploaded and shared in
real-time. This offers many advantages. In the context of water
resource management, applications that integrate and geographically overlay information such as reservoir levels, topographic
surveys, precipitation data and land use information play important roles in communicating information and updates during
challenging water management situations.
WATER C AN ADA • M ARCH/APRIL 2024
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