Ariel Stern
Stormwater managers should get their heads out of the sand when managing data. Data utilization is essential for forward planning.
Collecting and managing data is vital for every business. This is especially true in the stormwater management industry, where a wide variety of data must be collected, analyzed, and reported regularly. However, many stormwater managers still use manual processes and Excel spreadsheets to manage their data, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Stormwater Management in the 21st Century
In today's world, numerous software solutions can help stormwater managers automate data collection and analysis. These solutions range from simple online databases to full-fledged GIS platforms. By utilizing these tools, stormwater managers can save time and money while improving the accuracy of their data.
One such tool is SWM Insight; an online database explicitly developed for stormwater professionals. SWM Insight allows users to track everything from rainfall records to outfall inspections in one central location. The platform also features a robust set of reporting and analytics tools that can be used to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Another tool that has gained popularity in recent years is Esri's ArcGIS platform. ArcGIS is a comprehensive GIS platform that can be used for everything from mapping out drainage systems to analyzing land use patterns. ArcGIS also offers a variety of ready-to-use stormwater-specific applications, such as the Stormwater Utility Assistant, which can help streamline various tasks related to stormwater management.
But what is common to all software solutions is their dependency on data. The availability of the data is the key. And having high-quality field data in place is where most stormwater professionals should focus their effort. And making sure the data created is appropriately managed and its quality is high is the first step for every data-driven management. And this is where most utilities fail and keep their head in the sand.
Conclusions
There is no doubt that managing data is essential for all businesses. However, it is critical to the stormwater management industry, where a wide variety of data must be collected regularly. Many stormwater managers still use manual processes and Excel spreadsheets to manage their data, which can lead to errors and inefficiencies. Utilizing specialized software solutions, such as SWM Insight or Esri's ArcGIS platform, can help stormwater managers save time and money while improving the accuracy of their data.