Collaborative Modelling in Deltares
Deltares’ portfolio of collaborative modelling approaches, tools and applications is constantly developing. We apply these to a range of software simulation products (e.g. complex physical simulation models, Bayesian network models, etc.) and topic areas (e.g. flood risk, adaptive delta planning, IWRM, water quality, environment). A non-exhaustive list of the methods we employ includes:
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Deltares is a globally recognized independent institute for applied research in the field of water and subsurface. By sharing our knowledge and expertise combined with the development of software products we aim at enabling delta life. Collaborative modelling is an appropriate solution to contribute to the achievement of Deltares' mission and enhance the societal impact of our work.
The Collaborative modelling team was launched in September 2016. The team was structured based on three main circles:
- Circle A: Core team
- Circle B: Supporting team
- Circle C: Project acquisition team
During the first meeting five main objectives were proposed. Each objective encompasses a list of activities to be carried out. This memo summarizes the activities that were carried out in the year 2016 and beginning of 2017.
OBJECTIVE 1: Establish a multi-disciplinary core team with extensive knowledge on collaborative modelling and existing approaches and tools
OBJECTIVE 2: Integrate collaborative modelling into more proposals and projects
OBJECTIVE 3: Increase capacity and awareness on collaborative modelling and approaches and tools within Deltares
OBJECTIVE 4: Disseminate our knowledge externally to clients and partners while strengthening partnerships for continued knowledge exchange
OBJECTIVE 5: To develop new collaborative modelling approaches to be used with Deltares tools
Why collaborative modeling and how it is implemented ?
Collaborative modeling promotes the fruitful engagement and participation of decision makers and stakeholders in the analysis and assessment of policy options. Water resources systems are complex and encompass a variety of competing technical, ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Often experts and stakeholders do not fully understand or cannot agree upon the reasons why water-related challenges occur, let alone upon the actions that should be taken to adapt to or mitigate their impacts. Ownership and acceptance of strategic plans by national and local authorities are critical preconditions for ensuring sustainable development objectives are met. Deltares’ collaborative modelling approaches offer an effective means to address and resolve these knowledge- and values-based conflicts between experts, water users, stakeholders and decision makers. They consist of interactive and iterative processes for decision support that combine stakeholder engagement with analytical modelling, visualisation and communication tools.