There is no denying of the fact that simulation and modeling happen to be one of the most important parts of engineering tool boxes. These help the engineers in analysis, creation of models, perform tests over products and systems without any physical prototype. But what needs to be done if the model solution ends up being a problem, but there is not a single tool that fits into the equation. However, a team of engineering researchers at the Arizona State University solved the problem by building their own solution. 

 

ASU came up with WaterSim model that is also a virtualization tool for helping with issues surrounding sustainability of water resources in area of Central Arizona. The region is currently facing lot of challenges because of climate change, drought, and imbalance of demand and supply. The tool helps in data collection on supply and demand of water, as well as all information related with population, policy decisions, and climate factors. All of these together present a dynamic level view of the complete area along with all its water resources. WaterSim mainly intends to help environmental and civil engineers, policy makers, and city planners look for possible results of water infrastructure as well as other policy changes. This provides then with proper information and tools required for future projects planning. 

 

 

Liz Marquez from the ASU explains, “It’s all about checking the trade-offs. We bring engineers and practitioners, and also our academics, and bring them together using [WaterSim] so they can consider the decisions they’re making, and the impacts these decisions will have into the future.” it is capable of taking in a low of data and information. Marquez further adds, “Then we have charts that are generated based on the conditions that are selected through the policy choices. At that point, everyone can look and see the impact on supply, demand, sustainability, and can be looking at those climate change impacts.”