A territorial information system for planning and management of complex artificial drainage networks

The land reclamation drainage network of the Veneto Region in northeastern Italy is one of die most complex artificial drainage networks in terms of density of the channels and the man-made flow-control and monitoring installations. In order to provide a useful aid for the planning and management of measures in this area, a Territorial Information System has been developed specifically designed for the particular case of artificial networks, that frequently entail the building of new channels and installations, which must be included in the system with relative case and without disrupting the architecture of the codified network. The above-mentioned System, which comprises approximately 16'000 km of channels and 5'000 installations, mainly pumping stations and flow-control and monitoring equipment, is expected to be particularly useful as a support for decision-making in a context in which the land-improvement network must not only fulfill its traditional function as a defense against flooding, but must also perform more complex functions, such as improving runoff water quality by means of suitable channel and installation management methods and innovative design conditions.