How can you use geospatial data to manage water resources more effectively?

2 Water infrastructure and services

Geospatial data can help you plan, design, and operate water infrastructure and services, such as dams, reservoirs, pipelines, irrigation systems, wastewater treatment plants, and water supply networks. By using geospatial data, you can optimize the location, size, and capacity of water infrastructure, as well as monitor its performance and maintenance. You can also use geospatial data to map and measure water access, consumption, and affordability for different users and communities, as well as to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction.

3 Water governance and policy

Geospatial data can help you support water governance and policy, which is the process of making and implementing decisions about water resources management. By using geospatial data, you can enhance transparency, accountability, and participation in water governance, as well as improve communication and coordination among different stakeholders and institutions. You can also use geospatial data to evaluate the impacts and effectiveness of water policies and regulations, such as water allocation, pricing, quality standards, and conservation measures.

4 Water innovation and education

Geospatial data can help you foster water innovation and education, which is the development and dissemination of new knowledge, skills, and solutions for water resources management. By using geospatial data, you can create and share interactive maps, dashboards, visualizations, and stories that can inform, inspire, and engage different audiences and sectors. You can also use geospatial data to facilitate learning and capacity building for water professionals, students, and citizens, as well as to promote water awareness and stewardship.

5 Water challenges and opportunities

Geospatial data can help you address water challenges and opportunities, which are the current and future trends and scenarios that affect water resources management. By using geospatial data, you can anticipate and adapt to the effects of climate change, such as changes in precipitation patterns, temperature, sea level rise, and extreme events. You can also use geospatial data to explore and exploit the potential of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, internet of things, and blockchain, for water resources management.

6 Water resources management framework

Geospatial data can help you implement a water resources management framework, which is a systematic and holistic approach to manage water resources in an integrated, sustainable, and equitable way. By using geospatial data, you can apply the principles and practices of integrated water resources management (IWRM), which is a process that considers the social, economic, and environmental aspects of water resources, as well as the interactions and trade-offs among different water users and uses. You can also use geospatial data to align your water resources management with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of global goals and targets that aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure peace and prosperity for all by 2030.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?