NIWA partners with DHI as demand for modelling services increases
A growing demand for computer programmes designed to predict the future effects of activities on the environment has led National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), New Zealand to establish a partnership with one of the world's leading producer of water modelling software.
The research partnership with DHI Water and Environment will help NIWA meet the increasing demand for its modelling services, particularly in the areas of sewer and stormwater discharges, ocean productivity, ocean outfalls, estuarine sedimentation, algal blooms, aquaculture, and coastal hazards.
The Okura estuary north of Auckland - an example of where NIWA is using the new modelling software.
Output from the MIKE 3 model showing predicted velocities during a falling (above) and rising tide within the Okura estuary.
NIWA does modelling work on coastal, shelf, estuarine, and river environments for councils and commercial clients applying for resource consents. This new partnership gives NIWA access to a greater range of reliable and internationally recognised computer models, including the coastal and ocean modelling packages MIKE 3 and MIKE 21.
NIWA scientist John Oldman says the MIKE 3 and MIKE 21 packages have a number of advantages over other models and will help them to service many of their research and consultancy needs in coastal and shallow inter-tidal areas.
"We can compare field data and model simulations using these packages, and they're user-friendly. We can also examine and visualise complicated model simulations in greater detail by linking output from these models to Geographic Information Systems and sophisticated animation packages."
"Some of Auckland's local authorities are using DHI models (like MOUSE) for their sewer and stormwater systems, and, because these models run in tandem with the MIKE 3 and MIKE 21 models, they've shown a strong preference for consultants who use these models."
Mr Oldman says an important part of the partnership is that NIWA can have a direct involvement in future development of the models by incorporating results from its research programmes into the modelling packages. This would benefit the growing number of DHI software users around the world, he says.
"We are often involved in complex projects which are on the cutting edge of current modelling technology. Because of this, we need to able to make innovative changes to the models for specific applications. This partnership allows us to do this."
DHI Water & Environment is a global provider of engineering software and specialized consultancy to the water industry. DHI Software sets the industry standard for water modeling in many countries. For more information about DHI and DHI Software, please visit www.dhisoftware.com or contact Jorgen Bo Nielsen, Director Software Products at jni@dhi.dk.