National groundwater information system (phase 1)
| Objective: | To scope the implementation of a compatible national groundwater information system by all jurisdictions and the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) |
| Funding: |
$430 000 plus applicable GST (an initial $400 000 plus an additional $30 000) |
| Jurisdiction: | National |
| Commencing: | July 2009 |
| Completed: | June 2010 |
About the project
In December 2008, a national groundwater data and information workshop determined that a national groundwater information system was required. The national groundwater information system will provide readily accessible information on aquifer boundaries and layers, aquifer characteristics, hydrogeologic units, groundwater management areas and bore characteristics, and all of their inter-relationships.
This will give groundwater managers an essential tool to adequately describe key groundwater stores and fluxes when assessing and accounting for water resources. It also will form the basis for hydrologic modelling, particularly for surface water/groundwater interactions.
There will be three phases to the scoping study. Firstly, a consultant will visit each jurisdiction to describe the draft architecture of the Geographic Information System , review available data sets and existing groundwater information systems, and prepare a costed project proposal for system implementation in the state or territory.
Project benefits
The scoping phase for the national groundwater information system will determine its likely extent and the costs of rolling out the system across Australia.
Progress
Phase 1 of the three phase project has been completed.
A report outlining a potential data model, associated requirements and possible role out and adoption has been submitted to the Commission and the Bureau of Meteorology for consideration. A decision on phase 2 and phase 3 of the project will be made shortly.
From the Phase 1 report the Bureau of Meteorology has identified a number of items that will enhance the prototype developed under Phase 1. Additionally, these items will further the Bureau of Meteorology's efforts to develop the national groundwater information system during Phase 2 and will enable the jurisdictions to make informed bids for the Bureau of Meteorology' Modernisation and Extension fund. The items are:
- UML Geodatabase Diagram
- an unpopulated national groundwater information system database
- a high-level national groundwater information system data model schematic
- a national groundwater information system data dictionary
- a simplified version of the prototype system.