3.1 Hydrosystems simulation

1. Investigation of the trophic state and the fate of pathogens in the Olympic Rowing Center of Schinias by means of mathematical modeling

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The project aimed at assessing the water quality characteristics of the Olympic rowing and canoeing Center, in relation to alternative inflow scenarios. Part of the study was conducted by using an eutrophication - dissolved oxygen model which describes both physical transport phenomena and biological and chemical reactions taking place in the water body and incorporates a stochastic approach (based on Monte Carlo technique) in order to take into account the random variation of the input variables and the kinetic constants. According to the results it is concluded that serious eutrophication problems are not likely to emerge in the Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Center. A second microbial pollution model was employed icorporating a stochastic approach in order to take into account the random variation of the input variables, such as the pollution loads and the intensity of the solar radiation, which is an essential factor for the fate of faecal coliforms. As a result the model predicts the concentrations of faecal coliforms as a set of possible values. A statistical analysis of this set of values, shows that the anticipated concentration of faecal coliforms, in relation to the proposed revision of the 76/160 European Directive on bathing waters, is lower than 250 FC/100 mL for the 95% and thus the Center can be classified in the category of excellent quality waters.

2. Towards European harmonized procedures for quantification of nutrient losses from diffuse sources (Euroharp)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

EUROHARP will provide a comprehensive scientific evaluation of 10 different contemporary tools are currently used to support policy reporting at national and international level for estimating diffuse losses of N and P in 17 study catchments across North - South - and East - West gradients in European climate, soils, topography, hydrology and land use. In- depth studies of the tools' performance regarding their ability to reproduce accurate figures on nutrient losses and their sensitivity towards changes in major environmental driving forces and management practises will be performed in selected well monitored catchments and then be applied to the remaining 12 catchments throughout Europe. Finally, a socio-economic analysis of the consequences when the ''most appropriate tool'' concept is implemented will be performed in 3 selected case catchments, based on appropriate scenarios of abatement strategies linked to requirements of the EU Water Framework and Nitrate Directives.

3. Risk of inundation - Planning and response interactive user system (RIPARIUS)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The RIPARIUS project aims to bringing together a group of supplier organisations and user groups in order to identify a practical, generic, pan-European method of flood risk assessment for non-tidal reaches of rivers. The objectives of RIPARIUS are: (a) a review of current practice and capabilities, and the identification of current and future requirements; (b) identification of possible linkages to related projects/works; (c) agreement on a common approach at a strategic level; (d) development of a functional specification; (e) preparation of proposals for the research and development required for the first demonstrator system. It is proposed that these objectives will be met via a Concerted Action consisting of a series of expert meetings and workshops which will consider particular topics relating to technical methodology and policy issues. This approach would best facilitate exchange of information and coordination of approach across EU member states and are designed to receive input from a wide range of relevant user groups. Benefits of RIPARIUS will include uniformity of approach; implementation of the highest possible practical standard within and between member states; design of high level, flexible, generic system to meet the segmented requirements of different user groups; strengthening of transnational cooperation in support of EU polices. RIPARIUS has been developed by a consortium of EurAqua (a European Network of Fresh Water Research Organisations) members in United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Ireland and France in collaboration with relevant user group organisations within the same countries.

4. Water quality modeling of receiving water bodies

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The objective of this research program is the development and application of a mathematical model for the prediction of the impact of point and non point source pollution loads on receiving water bodies. The mathematical model developed is a eutrophication-dissolved oxygen model that describes various physical, chemical and biological processes taking place in a water body, through suitable terms in mass balance equations for each chemical, biological and physical parameter examined. Following validation on the basis of field measurements the model has been applied to predict the water quality of Southern Evoikos gulf, Saronikos gulf, Sxinias Olympic Center for Rowing, Lake Plastira and Karla Lake.

5. River basin modeling management and flood mitigation (RIBAMOD)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

Recently severe flooding has occurred in several parts of Europe, both as localised flash floods and as basin-wide floods on major river systems. By their nature floods are generated by the random coincidence of several meteorological factors, but human factors can also impact the severity and consequences of the events. Flood forecasting systems have advanced to use the latest developments in monitoring, communications and computing technology. However, important issues remain concerning both the detailed understanding and simulation of processes involved in flood propagating and also the best practice for management of the river and its catchment. Following concern expressed by several Member States, DG XII organized an expert workshop on 17 May 1995 in Brussels to discuss the current state of the art, and the research needs in the area of river flood management. A working group was established at the end of the workshop to draft out the content of a Concerted Action in this area. The Concerted Action will examine long-term generic issues as initiatives are already in place to tackle operational problems such as those on the Rhine and Meuse systems. The Concerted Action will focus on flooding but considered within the framework of integrated river management.

6. Estimation and management of the water resource potential in the Island of KOS

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The project dealt with the application and the sensitivity analysis of a model for surface water and grounwater management. This model is a dynamic model, suitable for a variety of geological layers for real time simulations and is based on the well known hydrogeological model MODFLOW which is operating under the platform EIS/GWM [Environmental Impact System / for Ground Water (contaminant) Migration Simulations]. The model was successfully applied in the island of Kos and after its proper calibration is able to answer questions of practical use concerning water management issues.

3.4 Water resources management

7. Maintenance, upgrading and extension of the Decision Support System for the management of the Athens water resource system

N. Mamassis

N.Mamassis@itia.ntua.gr

This research project includes the maintenance, upgrading and extension of the Decision Support System that developed by NTUA for EYDAP in the framework of the research project “Updating of the supervision and management of the water resources’ system for the water supply of the Athens’ metropolitan area”. The project is consisted of the following parts: (a) Upgrading of the Data Base, (b)Upgrading and extension of hydrometeorological network, (c) upgrading of the hydrometeorological data process software, (d) upgrading and extension of the Hydronomeas software, (e) hydrological data analysis and (f) support to the preparation of the annual master plans

8. Support on the compilation of the national programme for water resources management and preservation

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

This project updates and expands a previous research project (Classification of quantitative and qualitative parameters of water resources in water districts of Greece), which has been commissioned by the Ministry of Development and conducted by the same team of NTUA in co-operation with the Ministry of Development, IGME, and KEPE. The project includes defining the methodology, analyzing the water resources in the 14 water districts, quantity and quality and the relations between them, describing the existing administrative and development frameworks for water resources management and protection presenting the national, peripheral and sectoral water-related policies, and proposing an approach to a water resource management and protection programme (conclusions, problems, solutions, and proposals for projects and measures).

9. Modernisation of the supervision and management of the water resource system of Athens

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

Due to the dry climate of the surrounding region, Athens has suffered from frequent water shortages during its long history but now has acquired a reliable system for water supply. This extensive and complex water resource system extends over an area of around 4000 km2 and includes surface water and groundwater resources. It incorporates four reservoirs, 350 km of main aqueducts, 15 pumping stations and more than 100 boreholes. The water resource system also supplies secondary uses such as irrigation and water supply of nearby towns. The Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) that runs the system commissioned this project, which comprises: (a) development of a geographical information system for the representation and supervision of the external water supply system; (b) development of a measurement system for the water resources of Athens; (c) development of a system for the estimation and prediction of the water resource system of Athens utilising stochastic models; (d) development of a decision support system for the integrated management of water resource system of Athens using simulation-optimisation methodologies; and (e) cooperation and transfer of knowledge between NTUA and EYDAP.

10. Classification of quantitative and qualitative parameters of the water resources of Greece - Phases 1 and 2

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

The scope of the project is the classification of the existing information related to water quantity and quality in the water districts of Greece, using geographical information systems. The project part related to water quantity aims at the development of a methodology for establishing a water balance between supply and demand and extracting the most important summary characteristics that are then entered into a geographical information system. The methodology is applied at a water district scale, using information based on existing studies. The project part related to water quality aims at the characterisation of the rivers, lakes and aquifers based on the water quality characteristics, and the water uses and requirements. The characterisation is based on the classification of critical quantity parameters that have been measured and includes the use of a geographical information system. The project was elaborated in two phases. The first phase was implemented in 1996, and its objective was the development of methodologies, the analysis of the 10 water districts and their relationships and the creation of maps. In collaboration with other authorities (Ministry of Development, Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploitation, Centre for Research and Planning), the institutional and administrative status, the international environment and the water policies, were investigated. Finally a first approach towards the integrated management of the water resources of the country was attempted. The second phase was implemented in 2002-2003, and aims at the completion of the study, by incorporating the 4 remaining water districts, a more analytical approach regarding the water management at a country scale and the update of results of the first phase.

11. Evaluation of Management of the Water Resources of Sterea Hellas - Phases 1, 2, 3

Th. Xanthopoulos

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

The main objectives of the research project are the evaluation and management of the water resources, both surface and subsurface, of the Sterea Hellas region, and the systematic study of all parameters related to the rational development and management of the water resources of this region. Another objective of the project, considered as an infrastructure work, is the development of software for the hydrological, hydrogeological and operational simulation of the combined catchments of the study area. The development of the software and, at the same time, the development of methodologies suitable for the Greek conditions will assist in decision-making concerning the water resources management of Sterea Hellas and of other Greek regions. The project also aims at the improving of the cooperation between the National Technical University of Athens and the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works. This is considered as a necessary condition for the continuous updating of the project results as well as for the rational analysis of the water resource problems of the Sterea Hellas region. The whole project is implemented in three phases. The objective of Phase 1 (December 1990 - November 1992) is the collection and the organising of the surface water data and the development of hydrological simulation programs. The themes of Phase 2 (November 1993 - October 1995) are: (a) the conversion of the databases of the previous phase into the new computer environment based on Unix and Windows workstations; (b) the conversion of the computer programs for statistical processing of hydrologic data into the new computer environment; (c) the development of software for hydrologic data processing and the processing of the Sterea Hellas data; (d) the development of a geographical information system for hydrological and hydrogeological information; (e) the review of existing studies regarding water uses; (f) the collection, evaluation and organising of hydrogeological data; and (g) the hydrogeological study of selected watersheds. Finally, the themes of Phase 3 (November 1996 - December 2000) are: (a) the completion of the information systems of the previous phases, which concerned hydrological and hydrogeological information, by including two additional levels of information related to the water uses and the water resources development works; (b) the development of methodologies for optimising the hydrosystems operation and the construction of integrated simulation and optimisation models for the two major hydrosystems of the study area (Western and Eastern Sterea Hellas); and (c) the integration of all computer systems (databases, geographical information systems, application models) into a unified system with collaborating components.

12. A pilot study for the management of the Louros and Arachthos watersheds

Th. Xanthopoulos

The objective of the pilot study is the combined management of the surface and subsurface water resources of the Louros and Arachthos watersheds. The main target is to obtain an insight of the interrelation of the relevant quantities, to draw conclusions regarding the management of water resources of the two catchments, and to locate the issues that will require further research. An additional objective is the development of a methodology for water resources planning and management, which can be applied to other watersheds or water districts in Greece.

13. Appraisal of existing potential for improving the water supply of greater Athens - Phases 1 and 2

Th. Xanthopoulos

The objective of the project is the appraisal of the water resources of the river basins of Mornos, Evinos and Yliki, and the investigation of methods for their rational management. The project comprises of two phases. The components of the first phase (November 1987 - February 1989) are: (a) the organization of the hydrological information in the Mornos and Evinos watersheds, and more specifically, the collection, evaluation, archiving and processing of hydrometeorological data, (b) the estimation of the surface water resources of the three basins, (c) the estimations of the actual release capacity of the Mornos reservoir, and (d) the appraisal of the alternatives for improving it by diverting water from the Evinos River. The components of the first phase (May 1989 - June 1990) are: (a) the processing and analysis of the available hydrometeorological data and estimation of the water potential of the Mornos, Evinos and Yliki watersheds, (b) the hydrologic design study of alternative reservoirs in the Evinos River basin combined with the operation of the Mornos reservoir, (c) the study for improving of the hydrometeorological measuring system at Mornos and Evinos watersheds, (d) the evaluation of the exploitable water potential of the Yliki Lake and the alternative rational ways of its management, both under the actual and future conditions, without or with the Evinos reservoir, and (e) the development of methodologies and computer programs for the support of the rational scheduling of the water release from Yliki.

3.7 Solid wastes and sludge management

14. Composition, treatability and appropriate treatment of leachates from the sanitary landfill of Volos

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The scope of the project was to investigate the leachate characteristics and to evaluate and design a leachate treatment system for the municipality of Volos. The objectives of the project were as follows: (1) Determination of leachate quality characteristics of the city of Volos; (2) Pilot plant investigation of a leachate treatment configuration; (3) Design of the full scale leachate treatment system and recommendations for the preparation of the relevant technical specifications.

15. Hygienic Management of Sludge for Agricultural Utilisation (SMAG)

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The project intended to demonstrate in full scale application a technology involving quicklime treatment of dewatered sludge in order to create a pathogen and odor free product suitable for agricultural utilization. The method, partially developed by Carl Bro a/s, involved mixing dewatered sludge with quicklime that results in an increase in temperature, pH and total solids. High quicklime doses ensure that a high pH (>12) will be maintained for more than three months rendering the final product suitable for reuse without any restrictions as far as pathogens are concerned.The SEL of NTUA, had a significant contribution in all the aspects of the project and specifically: 1) preparation of operational guidelines for sludge treatment and sludge application on agricultural land, 2) assess agricultural soil conditions at pilot sites, 3) conduct of sludge survey in Greece, 4) organization of an international Conference on sludge treatment and reuse, 5) monitoring the quality characteristics of the sludges produced in the two municipalities, 6) conduct pilot experiments with lime treated dewatered sludge to determine the effects of sludge application on physical, chemical and microbial characteristics of soil and plant properties, 7) organize demonstration meetings and seminars to promote public acceptance. According to the findings of the project quicklime treatment of sludge results in the production of a final product that is is hygienically safe and agronomically acceptable to farmland application as fertilizer. The technology is currently applied in full scale at Rethymno Wastewater Treatment plant and various municipalities are considering employing the use of quicklime addition to dewatered sludge as the final stage of sludge treatment.

16. Towards a sustainable household waste management policy in Europe

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The main objective of the project was to get a reflexive understanding of the needs, obstacles, ways and limits to a European harmonization of national regimes for household waste management. The project included three parts. The first one was made of a description and a comparison of five national experiences in household waste management: France, Germany, Greece, Italy and the Netherlands. The second one was focused on identifying the various positive or negative interactions between national regimes. The third one was devoted to the issue of European harmonization. The Sanitary Engineering Laboratory of NTUA, worked in collaboration with the other partners in all the aspects of the project. More specifically the research team of NTUA covered the following topics: a) analysis of the main features of the greek municipal waste regime, b) identification of the main interactions between greek regime and other national regimes and description of the similarities and differences between the national regimes, c) participate in the analysis of the main frictions between national regimes and identify possible areas that require harmonization.

17. Technico-economical and environmental study for the management of the sludges produced at Psyttalia sewage treatment works

A. Andreadakis

A.Andreadakis@hydro.ntua.gr

The project was aiming to investigate alternative management schemes of the sludge produced at Psyttalia Sewage Treatment Works. The alternative management schemes examined include: agricultural use, co-disposal of dewatered sludge with solid wastes, co-disposal of dried sludge with solid wastes, disposal of dewatered sludge at a separate landfill, disposal of dried sludge at a separate landfill, use of dried sludge as fuel for cement or electricity production and finally incineration. On the basis of the evaluation, the production of dried sludge which can be subsequently used for agricultural purposes or as a fuel stands out as the best long term option.

3.11 Artificial intelligence methods in hydrosystems

18. Investigation of methods and ways to optimize the water supply system of Chalkis

L. Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia

The scope of this research project is to apply and investigate a pilot mathematical model for water quality, design and operational optimization of the water supply system network of Chalkis, using genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic. Specifically the project aims at (a) consulting the local water company about the necessary improvements and equipment needed for installing a telecontrol and telecommand system (b) installing and operating a mathematical optimization model (c) investigating and evaluating results (d) using this project's results for further research.

19. Study and upgrading of the computer software for dynamicautomatic operation oftheMornoswater supply aqueduct introducing artificial intelligence - D.AN.A.I.S

L. Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia

D.AN.A.I.S (Dynamic ANalysis Aqueduct Intelligent System) is an original real time expert model for the operation and control of the water supply aqueduct of the Greater Athens Area, using fuzzy reasoning and computer assisted learning. Extensive measurements under controlled flow conditions have been carried out for the estimation of the hydraulic parameters of the model, but it operates satisfactorily even if there are missing or erroneous data ,due to complex signal conflict patterns and the implementation of fuzzy aggregators leading to fuzzy expert rules. Moreover linguistic variables have been added to describe desired operation conditions and hydraulic parameter autocorrective procedures have been included, so that that the model can autocorrect itself, in case there are changes of hydraulic parameters in time.

3.12 Risk analysis and management

20. Flood risk estimation and forecast using hydrological models and probabilistic methods

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

The objective of this project is the development of an integrated framework for the estimation and forecast of flood risk using stochastic, hydrological and hydraulics methods. The study area is the Boeticos Kephisos river basin. The project includes analysis of severe storm episodes in the basin, the understanding of mechanisms of flood generation in this karstic basin and the estimation of flood risk in characteristic sites of the hydrosystem.

21. Hydrological and hydrometeorological systems for Europe (HYDROMET)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The contribution of the National Technical University of Athens relates to the implementation of weather radar for hydrological applications, especially for spatial rainfall measurement and estimation, and consequently for storm and flash flood forecasting and warning. More specifically the scientific goals of the project during the first year (1/7/1996 - 30/6/1997) involved research in the following areas: (a) Analysis and processing of acquired radar reflectivity data sets; (b) Evaluation of existing conceptual rainfall-runoff models for flood-flow forecasting using weather radar data; (c) Development and evaluation of a fully distributed grid-based rainfall-runoff model for flood-flow forecasting using weather radar data.

22. AFORISM: A comprehensive forecasting system for flood risk mitigation and control

Th. Xanthopoulos

The aim of this project is the development of a comprehensive flood forecasting system and the study of alternative management policies intending to flood risk mitigation. The Greek research team contributes to AFORISM in the following tasks: (a) the analysis of intense rainfall events and their classification by weather type as well as the modelling of intense rainfall and the production of alternative hyetographs of temporal evolution of rainfall; (b) the comparison of the alternative rainfall-runoff models, using multiple time steps in modelling rainfall-runoff and applying it to Greek hydrological basins. The contribution of the other research teams deal with: (a) the forecasting of spatial-temporal evolution of rainfall using limited area models; (b) the development of optimisation models in order to mitigate flood risks; (c) the development of an expert system for flood management; (d) the development of a geographical information system for visualisation of the evaluation of flood and its consequences; and (e) the integration of the forecast and control system in the Reno basin (Italy).

23. "Weather radar, storm and flood hazards" & "Storm, floods and radar Hydrology"

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The Research (in these two projects) focused on the implementation of weather radar for hydrological applications, especially for spatial rainfall measurement and estimation, and consequently for storm and flash flood forecasting and warning. More specifically, the scientific goals of the project involved research in the following areas: (i) analysis and processing of acquired radar reflectivity data sets, (ii) development of methods for local short-term rainfall forecasting using weather radar, and (iii) development of procedures for flood flow forecasting by using weather radar. A hydrometerological study in a river basin was conducted to demonstrate the use of a weather radar for rainfall and flood-flow forecasting. The study region is a Pinios river sub-basin with a drainage area of 2,763 km2 located in central Greece. Storm events that created flash floods were recorded every 10-30 min, and were analysed and processed in terms of ground clutter suppression, anomalous propagation, beam refraction, and the losses and merging procedures of radar and rain-gauge rainfall data. A rainfall-runoff model for flood-flow forecasting based on the unit hydrograph theory was then applied twice. First, by using as input the mean areal rain-gauge rainfall derived by applying the Thiessen polygon method and second, by applying the mean areal radar rainfall information over the basin. It was found that the model performs better when it uses processed weather radar data as input. Results of using as input one- and two-hour forecasted rainfall for flood forecasting were encouraging.

3.14 Hydroinformatics

24. Integrated Management of Hydrosystems in Conjunction with an Advanced Information System (ODYSSEUS)

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

The project aims at providing support to decision-making processes within the direction of integrated management of water resource systems at a variety of scales. Several methodologies and computing tools are developed, which are incorporated into an integrated information system. The main deliverable is an operational software package of general use, which is evaluated and tested on two pilot case studies, concerning hydrosystems in Greece with varying characteristics (Karditsa, Dodecanesus). The end-product of the project is a software system for simulation and optimisation of hydrosystem operation, as well as a series of separate software applications for solving specific problems, aiming at producing input data to the central system or post-processing of the results. The project includes eleven work packages, eight for basic research, two for industrial research and one for the pilot applications.

25. Harmonising Quality Assurance in model based catchment and river basin management (HARMONIQUA)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The project aims to develop a European methodology for modelling and simulation in water management, covering both generic and domain specific modelling activities. The development of a generic methodology will be achieved on the basis of collected existing methodologies and guidelines (both generic and domain specific) and subsequent analysis, harmonisation, integration and improvement. Subsequently, the generic methodology will be translated into guidelines for seven specific domains: groundwater models, precipitation runoff models, hydrodynamic models (including sediment and morphology models), floods forecasting models, surface water quality models, biota (ecological) models, and socio-economic models. Stand - alone and plug - in tools to support modellers and water managers throughout the quality assurance process will be also developed and tested in integrated case studies covering geographical conditions and modelling cultures, involving various stakeholders and end - users. An exploitation infrastructure guarantees long term support and future use by the entire community or water managers.

26. IT Frameworks (HarmonIT)

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The aim of the HarmonIT project is to develop an ''Open Modelling Interface and Environment (OMI)''. The purpose of this environment is to facilitate the linking of models and so allows catchment process interactions to be represented in the formulation and selection of sustainable policies for catchment management. Model linkage will address scale and resolution aspects, model concept (deterministic/stochastic), model regimes (e.g. arid/Mediterranean/arctic) and aspects of variables modelled (e.g. high flows (floods)/average conditions/low flows (summer flows), need to represent feed back loops, lack of common data definitions and absence of an agreed generic data model description, and finally framework, platforms, medium and physical location of models to be linked.

27. National Data Bank of Hydrological and Meteorological Information

M. Mimikou

Mimikou@chi.civil.ntua.gr

The sector of Environment and specially water resources management is one of the major problems that Greece is facing. Taking into account that Mediterranean regions are influenced by a climate change characterized by drought tendency, it is obvious that water resources must be considered as top priority. Many cooperating agents of the public sector manage up to now, the water resources in Greece. Despite their coordinated efforts, so far there is no uniform registry of data and information that could serve as a basis for a optimum policy of management. Knowing the consequences of such omission, the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Public Works assigned, after an open competition, the National Technical University, with the implementation of the project "National Data Bank of Hydrological and Meteorological Information" (NDBHMI).

3.15 Databases of water and environmental systems

28. Development of Database and software applications in a web platform for the "National Databank for Hydrological and Meteorological Information"

N. Mamassis

N.Mamassis@itia.ntua.gr

The Ministry of Environment, Physical Planning & Public Works assigned to a consortium of consultancy companies the Project "Development of a new software platform for the management and operation of the National Databank for Hydrologic and Meteorological Information - 3rd Phase within a GIS environment and relevant dissemination actions". In the framework of the specific project a research team of NTUA undertakes a part as subcontractor. NTUA delivers methodologies for further development of the databases and applications of the Databank and their migration into a web platform (including the experimental node openmeteo.org for free data storage for the public). Specifically, using the knowhow that has been developed in the past by Research Teams from the Department of Water Resources of the School of Civil Engineering a database system and software applications (included hydrological models) are created fully adapted for operation over the Internet. NTUA's contribution is primarily on the design of the new system and the hydrological and geographical database the development of distibuted hydological models, the adaptation of the system to the WFD 2000/60/EC and on supporting dissemination activities. Finally NTUA will participate in the technical support and pilot operation of the project after its delivery from the consortium to the Ministry. More information is available at http://www.hydroscope.gr/.

29. Development of a Geographical Information System and an Internet application for the supervision of Kephisos protected areas

N. Mamassis

N.Mamassis@itia.ntua.gr

The main purpose of the system is the supervision of the protected areas in Kephisos river basin. Using the applications that will be developed, the staff of Kephisos Institution will achieve the real time recording of various activities that are built up inside the limits of protection belts. Specifically, three main applications will be developed: (a) A Geographical Information System (GIS) (b) An General Positioning System Application (GPS) (c) An Internet application

30. Hydroscope: Creation of a National Databank for Hydrological and Meteorological Information

D. Koutsoyiannis

D.Koutsoyiannis@itia.ntua.gr

The main objective of HYDROSCOPE is the creation of a modern information infrastructure for the hydrological cycle in Greece. Specifically, it aims at organising and systematising the hydrological, hydrogeological and meteorological information using the capacities that are provided by the modern methods and techniques of computer science and telecommunications. The database, which will be built, will contribute to the reliable programming, planning and management of the water resources of the country, the mitigation of phenomena like flood and drought, the evaluation of hydroclimatic parameters and their effects to the natural and biological environment, the diagnosis of climatic changes as well as the prediction and the control of the air pollution and the groundwater and surface water pollution. The development of a unified synergistic network, the information exchange and the co-ordination of the activities of the participating organisations, which are involved with the components of the hydrological cycle (Universities, Research Centres, Ministries and Services) as well as the reorganisation and standardisation of the hydrometeorological networks' function are considered as indirect but essential benefits. The programme includes: (a) hardware equipment, to install a network with 13 major nodes (RISC Workstations with Unix operation system) in Athens and Thessaloniki, local networks of PCs in each node, private high speed wide area network using routers and leased telephone lines, (b) infrastructure software, and specifically, distributed relational data base and graphic environment for applications' development, and (c) application software, and specifically, a distributed database system and applications concerning the input, the supervision and the processing of data in a graphic environment. This distributed database system provides firstly, the autonomy of each participant in managing data and secondly, a transparent, relatively to the data position, access. In addition, the project includes the locating of the available hydrological, hydrogeological and meteorological data that is maintained by the participants and the determination of the volume, the form and the reliability of measurements. Finally, a significant part of HYDROSCOPE deals with the development and the standardisation of methodologies regarding the processing as well as the pilot data entry of a part of the hydrological, hydrogeological and meteorological information aiming at the testing of the methodologies and systems.

3.16 Institutional and economic issues