Government agencies rely on processes and input data to operate reliably and accurately. Most processes are continuously optimized to remain relevant, but they can still be labor-intensive—consuming time, resources, and money. With Schouw M.App, many of these types of processes at water authorities can be automated.
The Netherlands has 343,350 kilometers of waterways that must be inspected regularly. Source: CLO
Chimney Inspection
One example of this is the work carried out by the water boards. A standard procedure for them is keeping the waterways clear. Several times a year, therefore, massive large-scale operations—known as “inspections”—take place. Field inspectors spend days visiting each waterway to manually check for obstructions—vegetation or other debris—that impede or reduce water flow. This is a massive undertaking, as the Netherlands has 343,350kilometers¹ of waterways, many of which must be inspected, just like a large portion of the flood defenses.
Machine Learning in Waterways
We have been collaborating with the Drents Overijsselse Delta Water Authority for many years. In the fall of 2018, a living lab was established to use artificial intelligence to automate the process of remotely identifying polluted waterways. Together, we developed an inspection model called Schouw M.App, based on machine learning, that can be applied to satellite imagery. In the test environment, a recognition rate of 98% was achieved, and 90% upon rollout.
WDO Delta has thus achieved a breakthrough in the management of its water systems by simply eliminating the need for continuous on-site visits. Employees no longer need to physically inspect every waterway for vegetation or pollution. This “smart” solution identifies areas that require physical inspection and “human intelligence.” In a controlled test environment, the water authority has developed a self-regulating water system—the first of its kind in the Netherlands.
This solution enables the automation of many processes within water authorities. This can help focus on key tasks and prioritize them, leading to a much more effective allocation of personnel and resources.
More information
Tjip is a business consultant at IMAGEM. As a consultant, he helps organizations—such as water authorities—find answers and solutions to spatial challenges, where the key lies in the smart application of location intelligence. Want to learn more? Send Tjip an email or message us via our contact form.
Tjip van Dale
Business Consultant
