A common theme in recent years for water resources engineering, planning, and modeling projects is the need to deal with more and more data. LRE initially developed efficient and low-cost methods to manage this explosion of data internally, to support our client's projects. We developed significant in-house expertise in desktop and server databases, custom data analysis tools, web-based user interfaces, and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). We now offer this expertise to our clients, providing systems that include desktop, server, and web-based data integration solutions based on the same approaches we use internally.

Data Management and Integration

Our solutions are not “one size fits all.” For each client, we build a system from a carefully selected suite of open source, free to use and low-cost proprietary technologies that best fit their long-term needs and constraints. All of our technologies are mature, widely used, secure, and well supported. We take time to ensure new system components integrate with data management strategies the client may already have in place. We include the client in every step, and we offer training to their staff. By basing new systems on well supported open source and free-to-use technologies, our clients can focus their resources on their unique functional requirements, rather than ongoing licensing and software costs.

Some data management and integration needs recently addressed include:

• Remote database data entry
• Real-time data monitoring
• Decision support
• Routine analysis automation
• Field staff support
• Stakeholder information access
• Water accounting and reporting requirements

The combination of our company-wide expertise in water resources and these agile and low cost data integration services is powerful. Although many software and programming companies can build databases and web sites, they often fall short of meeting client's expectations. We understand the unique issues and complexities of data related to surface and ground water modeling, historical consumptive use analysis, environmental permitting, water supply master planning, and water rights litigation. We apply relevant technology within that understanding to deliver data management and integration tools that meet our clients' needs.

Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

A geographical information system (GIS) is a powerful technology allowing the spatial display and analysis of geographical information. Typically, it is used to display maps and spatial details; however, it is a far more versatile tool for use in water resources. The ability to graphically display model results in relation to geographic features allows for a new perspective on the models themselves. LRE has extensive experience using industry standard GIS applications to provide solutions to water resource issues, including:

• Spatial analysis
• Geodatabase design and development
• Pre-processing and post-processing of models
• Automation of map production and custom map creation
• Time-series analysis (Animations)
• Real-time data analysis
• CAD conversion & map integration
• Field data collection / GPS (Global Positioning System)
• Geologic cross sections, profiles, and 3D visualization
• Irrigated acreage assessments
• Georeferencing
• Digitizing
• Custom GUI & web integration