GIS – application and development
The visualisation of project results and the development of assessment scenarios often require existing GIS programmes to be adapted to water-relevant issues and corresponding data structures to be developed. Of special importance in this context is the implementation of pre- and post-processors in the field of numerical modelling. GIS is applied in the development of GIS-based decision support systems by combining numerical sub-component models within the framework of internal and external cooperations.
Measurement technology – data acquisition
The quality of data, evaluations, model calculations etc. is improved by continuous development, adaptation, optimisation and validation of measurement systems. The wide range of methods encompasses geophysical field measurements, in-situ measurement systems and automated data transmission, sampling and on-site analysis systems. Knowledge concerning the long-term behaviour of sensors and measurement systems and the suitability of new measurement systems, probes and data transmission media is needed to select and install measurement equipment suitable for each project. Synchronised measurement networks including data transmission of automated event sampling are very useful in monitoring tracer experiments and pumping tests. Early warning systems are deployed in water supply and waste water disposal plants. Various measurement systems also guarantee precise monitoring in mining, tunnelling, road construction and hydraulic engineering.
Laboratory – environmental, tracer and isotope analysis according to international quality standards
The laboratory's current fields of research include hydrochemical analysis, fluorimetry, tracer analysis, and isotope analysis. The great commitment of all members of staff and the cutting-edge analysis equipment has allowed the Institute to attain a recognised high level of quality in all these fields. This is also evidenced by the Institute's extremely successful participation in national and international round robin tests in the fields of hydrochemistry and mass spectrometry for the analysis of stable environmental isotopes. The "continuous flow measuring system" is a valuable methodical addition in this field.