As an extension of our ongoing research programs, we offer technical research services to public or private organizations looking for opportunities to augment the technical abilities of their existing staff as well as provide valuable training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Our field scientists have the training, experience, and state-of-the-art equipment to perform a number of different types of on-site resource assessments for both fresh and saltwater environments. Services include, but are not limited to, bathymetric mapping of lakes and streams, seagrass scar evaluation, submerged vegetation analysis (species, depth, volume, nutrient storage, etc.), wetland vegetation analysis, water quality sampling (physical, chemical and biological properties), lake vegetation index (LVI), stream condition index (SCI), stream habitat assessment, rapid periphyton survey and linear vegetation survey. Resource managers and researchers are invited to contact us to discuss their specific project needs.
The Water Institute's Geographic Information Systems team has over 20 years experience in inventory and asset mapping. As part of the University of South Florida, the Water Institute has access to the latest ESRI GIS applications and cutting-edge field survey equipment. Utilizing the wealth of knowledgeable and eager students enrolled at the University, the Water Insitute is able to perform high-quality on-the-ground and remote asset inventories in a cost efficient manner.
We process customer-collected data using specialized software to generate bathymetric maps of waterbodies. These accurate, geospatial models reveal the complex bathymetry and morphological characteristics of the waterbody and allow it to be graphically represented. Our staff also can use the resulting digital model to perform additional analysis. For example, a table of a waterbody's stage-volume relationship can be created for areas where LIDAR datasets are available. Waterbodies appropriate for this analysis include lakes and ponds, as well as navigable rivers, streams, and creeks. Training is available from our professional staff to ensure proper data collection.
The Watershed Information Network (WIN) is the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's repository of monitoring data collected by water resource management groups statewide. This system replaces the STORET data warehouse which contains data through 2016. We assist organizations in meeting the stringent requirements of DEP EAS-0101, the data field definition imposed by the Impaired Waters Rule (IWR).
Our database team offers two services. The first is a web-based tool that simplifies the entire process of preparing a data export for submission, providing the ability to quality assurance check all data before it is submitted. We also offer a personalized service of loading/formatting records and storing them into the STORET or WIN database, interfacing directly with FDEP staff as needed.
The Data Mapping/Download Web Tool is a system for collecting, storing, analyzing and disseminating raw or processed sensor data. It is an easy-to-use graphic portal that allows viewing and downloading any information that has a spatial component, helping website visitors to quickly identify data sets of interest.
