Ways to mix knowledge and data to solve land and water problems

Background to this workshop 

Among the portfolio of the QWMN Research Development and Innovation projects, many use traditional data-driven simulation based models. They may use a hydrological/hydraulic framework to incorporate the various biophysical attributes of various aquatic and catchment settings to model the influence of various management options.

In this workshop, we're exploring an alternative approach - namely, a Bayesian Belief Network. This approach looks at interrelationships in a land or water system and has an ability to use a mix of quantitative and qualitative data/experiences to describe how a particular a land and/or water system is connected.

This approach meets the technical needs of building a robust model, whilst also satisfying the decision-making needs that other colleagues might be faced with. Using probabilistic and/or likelihood measures, the model user can be guided through a series of “what if” questions in answering a particular management challenge. In fact, once developed, the model can be utilised as part of a facilitated conversation in contrast to that of a computer based simulation.

What is on offer?

In this workshop we aim to introduce you to the role of a Bayesian approach for looking at water and land management challenges - why would one use this, what are the outputs, what do you need to do to design and develop the tool and what is the role of collaborators to build the knowledge in the system.

The workshop will be a mix of:

• background presentations on Bayesian approaches, 
• unpacking two example Bayesian applications developed for South East Queensland settings and 
• activities for participants to test the applications and design a simple Bayesian model on a problem they would like to solve.  

Our lead speakers are:

Edoardo Bertone - Senior Lecturer at Griffith University - who will lead the discussion on the fundamentals of Bayesian models.  Plus he will share the Bayesian based model he developed to look at water quality risks for simmers at the 2018 Commonwealth Gold Coast Games triathlon. 

Jack Coates-Marnane - Principal Scientist, Healthy Land and Water - will showcase a recent QWMN RDI project Riparian Management Investment Tool that was developed using a Bayesian approach. This tool will be available for you to explore and use as a way to understand how various data sets were brought together into a systems array. The dashboard look is shown here.

Your opportunity 

At this workshop you will get:

• an informed "101 Introduction" to Bayesian based approaches
• to look, query and run the two applications that will be showcased 
• an opportunity to test and explore how some of your land and water challenges could be evaluated through this modelling approach.

Plus in the spirit of this network, meet new and known colleagues from across Local and State agencies, consultants, researchers, water utility and regional NRM groups - a diverse mix! Regardless of your experience in this topic, everyone is welcomed.