Nutrient Data, Analysis, and Modeling Dashboard

This project integrates the SWAT and SPARROW models with simple and practical tools developed in Projects 1-4 within a unified framework for assessing benefits of nutrient reduction activities. A cloud-based service oriented approach is used for implementation of modeling services in the assessment dashboard. Our design ensures scalability and transferability of the technology and allows communities, planners, and regulators across the U.S. to access these modeling services in a reliable manner. Deployment of the various components of the system for web-clients enables users with limited knowledge of geographic information systems (GIS) and modeling analysis to access the tools using web browsers and/or mobile devices.

The N and P assessment system consists of two major infrastructure components: (i) a cloud based server infrastructure, and (ii) a handheld client application accessing the data and modeling services.

The cloud based server infrastructure is platform-independent and can be accessed by stakeholders using any handheld device with network connectivity and the capacity to access data, analysis, and modeling services via web clients. However, platform-specific (Apple and Android) application are also provided for times when the user has no network access. The mobile app synchronizes information with cloud based services.

An innovative aspect of the N and P assessment tool is its scalable design. These tools will be particularly useful for communities with limited resources.

The tool will be also integrated with the system-level tradeoff analysis tool in Project 7 to help planners and regulators identify solutions that are sustainable.

Objectives

The goal of this project is to develop and disseminate a nationally applicable integrated data and modeling dashboard that can be used to: (1) identify major watersheds that account for a substantial portion of N and P loads at scales reflecting the needs of communities, regulators and managers, e.g. Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC) 8 or similar scales; and (2) assess effects of nutrient abatement options and potential changes in land use and climate on a HUC 12 or similar scale. The objectives of the study are to:

Develop a technologically scalable database and model integration framework.

Demonstrate the applicability of the tool for identification of priority HUC 12 sub-watersheds within HUC 8 watersheds.

Create capabilities for assessing management scenarios consisting of urban, agricultural and hydro-geomorphic options for N and P reduction.

Contact Us

Mazdak Arabi
mazdak.arabi@colostate.edu