GEOSPATIAL KNOWLEDGE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INTELLIGENT WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Advanced integration of geospatial technologies and artificial intelligence for predictive water resource management and extreme climate event mitigation
WellAdvisedCo facilitated the creation of an innovative consortium between INESC TEC, UTAD, and GEODOURO to develop a Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) that aims to transform water resource management. WellAdvisedCo analysed emerging GKI technologies applied to environmental monitoring to conceptualise the WATERKNOW project and build a strategic consortium. We supported project development and prepared a successful funding application for the NORTE 2030 R&D co-promotion program.
The Challenge
Portugal faces increasing water scarcity challenges in certain regions due to climate change, with drought events becoming more frequent and severe. Traditional water management systems often lack the contextual intelligence and predictive capabilities necessary to address complex hydrological scenarios effectively. The challenge involves creating intelligent and immersive monitoring frameworks that improve decision-making processes, enhance water security, and establish new standards in environmental resource management. The need for tools that combine historical data, real-time observations, and climate modelling represents a critical technological gap for territorial and agricultural managers.
The Project
A Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) is an emerging concept that integrates data, technologies, and geospatial knowledge to support decision-making processes across various domains, including water management and security. The GKI approach to water management leverages spatial data, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and other geospatial technologies to gain a deeper understanding, plan, and manage water resources effectively.
The WATERKNOW project develops an innovative Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI) that combines geospatial technology with artificial intelligence to enable predictive water resource management and mitigate the impacts of extreme climate events.
Through advanced hydrological forecasting and real-time monitoring, the solution enables predictive water resource management and drought prevention strategies.
The consortium includes Prof. João Carlos Andrade Santos (UTAD), recognised by Reuters as one of the world’s most influential climate scientists, for his contributions in climate change, agroforestry ecosystems, and viticulture.
Key functionalities:
- Short-term hydrological forecasting – 7-10 day forecasts for the Sabor, Tâmega, Paiva, Ave, and Cávado river basins
- Climate modelling – Medium and long-term scenarios for strategic planning
- Data integration – Processing of historical, observational, and satellite data
- Decision interface – Dashboards for territorial and agricultural managers
WellAdvisedCo’s Contribution
Our involvement was essential from project conception to approval:
Consortium structuring:
- Articulation between complementary competencies: INESC TEC (geospatial technologies/AI), UTAD (climatology and hydrology), and GEODOURO (software and topographical consulting)
- Facilitation of technical meetings for objective and methodology alignment
Market analysis:
- Study of emerging trends in geospatial technology integration for environmental management
- Mapping of existing international solutions in intelligent water management
- Identification of regulatory requirements and funding opportunities
- Development of go-to-market strategy for GKI-powered environmental technologies
Proposal development:
- Support in technical and financial structuring of the application
- Alignment between scientific objectives and market needs
- Integration of R&D objectives in environmental monitoring with real market requirements
Impact
The WATERKNOW project, with an investment of over € 450,000, aims to actively contribute to the resilience and sustainability of water resources in Portugal. The strategic objectives focus on creating an innovative “Water Security” platform that significantly improves water resource management and prevents drought events.
Expected outcomes:
- Agricultural managers: Short-term information for irrigation optimisation and crop planning
- Territorial managers: Tools for anticipating and mitigating extreme events
- Public decision-makers: Climate scenarios for long-term adaptation policies
The implementation of the GKI infrastructure represents a significant advancement in integrating cutting-edge geospatial technologies with generative artificial intelligence applied to water resource management. The system will contribute to national water resource resilience and sustainability, positioning Portugal as a European reference in technological solutions for climate change adaptation.
Clients: Geodouro – Consultoria e Topografia, Lda; INESCTEC – Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science, and UTAD – University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro
Industry: Environmental technology, water resource management using a Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI)
