Real-time Visualization & Analysis of Environmental Data

The Basics

Conceptual site models, remedial investigations, feasibility studies, long-term monitoring and remedy implementation require the collection and tabulation of an enormous quantity of data. The data sets include not only stratigraphic and lithologic information, but also hydrogeologic, geochemical and contaminant information, which can vary temporally. Furthermore, the contaminants can be in a variety of phases (non-aqueous and aqueous phase liquids, sorbed or vapors), which also may change over time. Consultants, property owners, regulators and other stakeholders end up viewing reams upon reams of data. The chance that different parties will understand these data sets similarly is virtually zero.

Addressing this problem, environmental professionals often make extensive use of visualization software programs, which allow all of the stakeholders to see the same three-dimensional rendition of the data. Unfortunately, because the software requires extensive time to master, only a few, highly trained individuals are able to operate the programs. Desired changes can be take weeks and are usually quite expensive.

Furthermore, as noted above, site data continuously changes. As quarterly sampling events occur at many sites, maintaining up-to-date visualizations requires revisions four times a year. Again, this process can be labor intensive and terribly costly.

Interestingly, many practitioners are now deploying sensors that monitor various site parameters on a real-time basis. Often these instruments contain data storage capabilities. However, the incorporation of the stored data into models is often tedious and expensive.

The Company Dajak Represents

Groundswell Technologies provides a web-based program called Waiora that enables automated, real-time data collection and processing, including data visualization. The software supports a variety of sensors, including pressure transducers, chemical sensors, ORP sensors, etc.

Further, Groundswell can archive historical data within databases or spreadsheets into the same Waiora platform. The cloud-based architecture is also capable of providing sophisticated calculations that are easy to use.

3D View of Methane Distribution

3D View of Methane Distribution

Applications include:

Because the system is web-based, any authorized user can access the data from virtually anywhere. Because property owners, regulators and stakeholders view the same visualized data sets, it is easier and far less expensive to reach decisions and consensus.

Further, the system capabilities include:

Fundamentally, Waiora facilitates decision support, saving time and money.

Links

www.groundswelltech.com