We have begun creating software tutorials and demos that are linked on this page! You can also find links to software made and used by our group, and general information about water resources.
Software Made and Used By Our Group
We have developed the Parasol Open Source Parallel Coordinate Library, to enable parallel coordinate visualizations that are accessible in a web browser. To get started with Parasol, please consult a recent blog post. You can also directly download the research article and access the GitHub repository.
We presented a methodology for using Multivariate Regression Trees with Multi-Objective Tradeoff Analysis, published in a research article. The code for this can be found at this GitHub repo.
Other tools used in our group include:
- We collaborate on a blog from multiple research groups, on tips and tricks for software and programming in water resources: The Water Programming Blog
- Tools developed outside of the research group that we use include: the Borg Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm and the Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Framework (MOEAFramework), an open source Java framework with multiple algorithms and analysis tools
- Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) and programming languages used by the group include:
- Anaconda Python and the Pycharm IDE
- R and RStudio
- Our C++ development uses CodeLite IDE for cross-platform development, MinGW as a compiler on Windows, and Visual Studio
- For more general information about data science, STEM Explorer has made a guide about Data Science Education
Information about Water Resources
Students, researchers, and professionals are always looking for how to get relevant news and information about Colorado water. In the above video, you can find a brief overview of the field by Prof. Kasprzyk, used for a freshman orientation at CU Boulder. The below links were compiled by Dr. Rebecca Smith, focusing on western water issues.
- Colorado section of the American Water Resources Association. Their mailing list has great information including lunch talks and cool events, such as tours of dams.
- Colorado Mesa University Water Center. They have a helpful e-mail newsletter, as well as hosting the Upper Colorado River Basin Forum every year.
- Colorado has 9 basin roundtables that deal with water issues and develop plans. Boulder is found in the South Platte.
- The Colorado Water Congress is a state-wide association that holds conferences and networking events . The POND committee reaches out to new/aspiring professionals.
- High Country News has a water section.
- The Citizen's Guide to Colorado Water Law is a very accessible resource.
In the United States, there are a number of different U.S. government agencies that govern various aspects of water resources engineering. This list is partially derived from the Water Resources Engineering textbook by David A. Chin.
US Geological Survey (USGS) https://www.usgs.gov/: Collection and dissemination of measurements of stream discharge, reservoir storage, quality of surface and groundwater, etc. Provides data, topographic maps, geologic maps, performs research
National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/: World’s largest active source of weather data; Data collected by agencies like the National Weather Service (NWS), e.g. rainfall and evaporation
US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) https://www.usbr.gov/: Planning, construction, operation and maintenance of water resource facilities, mostly in western US. Largest wholesale supplier of water, 6th largest wholesale hydroelectric supplier
US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) http://www.epa.gov/: Implementation and enforcement of federal environmental laws. Their mission is to protect public health and safeguard and improve the natural environment. They fund research and create computer models.
US Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/; Formerly the Soil Conservation Service, they work with landowners to conserve natural resources. Provides soil maps
US Army Corps of Engineers http://www.usace.army.mil/: Planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of water-resource facilities. Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) creates computer models