The data resulting from riverbed imaging and land surveying activities undergo cartographic processing and, as bathymetric data (riverbank lines, fairway, land infrastructure, depth data etc.), form the basis of River Information Services (RIS).

In cooperation with the responsible authorities (Supreme Navigation Authority) via donau includes traffic-related information (buoys, waterway signs, zones with specific restrictions etc.) in electronic navigational charts (Inland ECDIS).

Electronic processing

Today, the evaluation, processing, archiving, analysis and presentation of measured data is unthinkable without the assistance of computer systems. Consistent data management is a key factor in quality management and is ensured through an inhouse database.

By linking up the database with the geographical information system (GIS), internal data (riverbed imaging, land surveying etc.) are linked with external data (Digital Cadastral Map, ortho photos etc.), making them particularly valuable for further analysis and presentation.

The parameters which are continuously collected at the measuring sites undergo very thorough and detailed processing in accordance with legal requirements and high inhouse demands.

The data are thoroughly tested for plausibility and post-processed if necessary. The processed surface water and groundwater data are reconciled with the Hydrographical Central Office. A selection of measuring sites is published in the Austrian Hydrographical Yearbook.

Through this, via donau actively contributes to the collection of data on the Austrian water cycle.

Statistical evaluation

A further key area is the statistical evaluation of selected discharge data to determine the calculation parameters (such as HQ30 or HQ100) required for river-engineering measures.

From these characteristic discharge data, the characteristic water levels of the rivers Danube and Morava are identified with the aid of hydrodynamic modelling as well as with other evaluation methods.

Modern state-of-the-art and “state-of-the-science” methods are used to work on problems and projects. Hydrodynamic modelling allows for an anticipatory analysis, evaluation and optimisation of river-engineering measures which are scheduled or in the planning stages.

The integrative approach to handling projects implies an increased cooperation between river engineering and other important fields concerning flowing bodies of water such as ecology and similar specialised scientific areas.

This is another area where hydrodynamic modelling can provide important input for specialised analyses. All water management, river-engineering and ecological projects relating to the Danube, Morava and Thaya rivers as flowing bodies of water are based on the secured availability and on the quality of data collected over many years.