D-Eco Impact

D-Eco Impact is a Python based kernel to perform spatial (environmental) impact assessment, based on knowledge rules applied to model output and/or measurements.  This kernel is used for joint decision-making processes on the future of ecosystems, where it is important to know how changes to the environment affect the ecological status. This ecological modelling software supports the discussion amongst ecologists, stakeholders, and policy makers.

D-Eco Impact computes the spatial ecological impact assessment based on the relevant variables provided in a data cube and the ecological criteria provided through the input file. Examples of variables that can be provided in the data cube are temperature, water depth, nutrient concentration, or sediment classes. This data can originate from expert knowledge, field measurements, satellite imagery or model results. This data sources than first need to be converted to a single data cube. In this data cube all variables are provided on the same spatial resolution but can vary in which timestep is provided (e.g., minutes, days, years or constant).

The input file contains a reference to the data cube used and the output provided. In between the rules, that should be applied to the data, are defined to come to an ecological relevant result. These rules determine the order of operation and consist of subsetting the data, assessing the data and deriving statistics.

D-Eco Impact:

• Operates on all relevant spatial or temporal resolutions scales (small scale, local, global, short term, long term).
• Allows for a flexible spatial schematization (point, polygon, grid mesh).
• Is expandable due to the code is written in Python and is provided open source.
• Ease of use by operating through and input file or as a python library.
• Can be connected to multiple modelling software output as long as this follows the international standard for the UGRID NetCDF format (e.g. Delft-FM 2D3D, Delft3D 4, wflow, iMOD).
• Adheres to the Interoperable and Reproduceable concepts of FAIR data processing, due to version numbering, the sharing of data through data cubes (UGRID NetCDF) and the input configuration (YAML).

The development of D-Eco Impact is ongoing. D-Eco Impact is applied by Deltares in research projects. This module is not yet available for beta testing. You can contact us for our beta testing programme.