RealFlow®, Realtime Field data collection

 

> Summit's RealFlow Extension for ArcView

> RealFlow's Origin through NASA's EOCAP.

 

RealFlow® represents a set of services that Summit developed through a partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Based on our clients' goals, modules of RealFlow can be selected to best address their individual needs. RealFlow was originally developed to improve the delineation of wellhead protection zones by modeling real-time, continuous data streams in three dimensions within a Geographic Information System (GIS). In addition, RealFlow provides innovative problem-solving and resource management capabilities for private, government, and industrial clients.

 

> The RealFlow Extension for ArcView 3.x

RealFlow is composed of several interconnected elements, including field instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and visualization, as highlighted below.

Field Instrumentation

This element involves instrumentation of wells and surface water gauges and related systems to allow real-time remote monitoring, data acquisition, and systems control. Specific devices include data loggers, pressure transducers, chemistry probes, non-intrusive flow meters, automated samplers, pump controls, vibration sensors, amperage meters, and telemetry systems.

Data Acquisition

This element involves the collection, processing, and storage of data acquired by the field instrumentation. For example, Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) software systems are utilized to acquire the monitored data, as well as for real-time remote control of well systems. Data are acquired, then processed and linked with analysis software, numerical spreadsheets, or database software for further analysis.

Data Analysis

This element involves components for aquifer test and watershed analysis and characterization, including automated graphical analyses and quality control/quality assurance of data streams. Groundwater and surface water computer modeling is performed utilizing data captured from the RealFlow system. These data analysis and modeling components operate within a GIS to aid in the presentation and visualization of the data.

Visualization

In this element, groundwater and surface water system data are rendered and displayed either in two or three dimensions in the GIS or other visualization software. The objective of this element is to create clear depictions of conditions within aquifers or watersheds and how issues are influencing water systems.

RealFlow® results in an aquifer or watershed resource management program that uses better science, can be updated frequently and economically, allows better monitoring and control, and will cost less than a conventional approach when long-term managment and operation costs are considered.