Applied research and consulting
Integrating different disciplines and methods for the analysis and development of natural resources management solutions we provide consulting services for decision makers and management authorities at local, national and international level.
Addressing resources management challenges the ITTrms follows a holistic approach that considers biophysical, environmental, economic and social issues. In our studies we make use of applied research methods combining quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Our spectrum ranges from data collection including identification of available data, environmental monitoring and surveys through modelling and indicator development, to the scenario development and policy recommendations.
Bringing our research results into clear and comprehensible formats we offer an adequate decision support instrument for the management authorities and facilitate science-policy dialog.
Based on the long experience and international experts network with interdisciplinary backgrounds the ITTrms offers the following services in applied research and consulting:
- River Basin Assessment including analysis of climate and hydrology, water user analysis, socio-economic aspects and land use changes;
- Hydrological modeling: hydrological modeling of runoff, water availability (snow/rain-runoff) forecasting, demand and allocation modeling;
- Drought management: forecasting, drought risk and vulnerability;
- Design of environmental monitoring and control systems regarding discharge, water quality, water allocation and distribution;
- Development of spatial information to support irrigation management (land use mapping, imagery and remote sensing based surveys, GIS, sensor webs for precision irrigation);
Furthermore, the ITTrms provides tailor-made cost-effective environmental monitoring solutions in the form of ITT SmartSense. To find out more, visit
http://itt-smartsense.info/
Selected Projects
Assessment of Urban Drinking Water Supply Risks in Europe
The Nature Conservancy hired ITTrms to conduct a study of existing challenges regarding water quality and quantity for urban drinking water supply in Europe, with the ultimate project goal of developing and implementing landscape-based interventions to protect water sources. We analysed numerous aggregate data sources to generate risk maps according to risk type for European Union and Balkan countries. The study also included analyses of several case studies where payment for watershed services schemes have been implemented within Europe.
Generation of Operational Actual Evapotranspiration Datasets for the Nile Basin
We are undertaking a Nile Basin Initiative project which involves the comparison of different remotely sensed evapotranspiration products and the validation of these products in the data-scarce Nile Basin. The aim of the project is to provide the best possible spatio-temporal estimates of actual evapotranspiration within the Nile Basin countries, thus enabling more accurate hydrological modelling of the region and allowing more informed-decision making, particularly regarding irrigation projects. The project involves training NBI staff so that they are able to undertake similar future studies.
