The dam itself is a system consisting of technical objects and natural elements, although created by human activity. The interaction of both (technical and natural) elements includes challenges in monitoring, forecasting, decision support system, and warning. Usually, but not necessarily, the whole chain of responsibilities is in the hands of a single body that is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and decisions taken for the dam. Therefore, a strong decision support system is needed for dam safety and ideal operation. The Dam Monitoring and Decision Support System is part of the MicroStep-MIS product portfolio.
The dam authority needs to know:
- the actual condition of technical objects - dams, dams, gates, overflows;
- the actual state of natural objects - the water level in the dam, waves in the reservoir, water flows in the reservoir, the amount of water flowing into the reservoir and flowing out of the reservoir;
- prediction of the state of natural objects for the next period (meteorological and hydrological forecast).
All data should be available in real-time. Good monitoring, forecasting, and warning system allow the operator to make the right decisions at the right time and without delay.