An overview of big data analytics: a state-of-the-art platform for water resources management

Water is progressively becoming a precious resource due to its inflated usage driven by the blooming population and industrialization, growing agricultural activities, unplanned urbanization, and imprudent management. In addition to these, inevitable climate change may further increase pressure on the water resources. An assessment of the water sources by using the agent-based modeling is necessary in order to understand stress on the available water resources and subsequently adopt suitable management strategies to avoid adverse environmental consequences. The targeted use of advanced big data analytics is emerging for efficient and effective management of water resources and would function as an understandable decision support system. However, big data pertaining to the water resources management (quality and quantity) is complex to handle, store, and process because of their heterogeneous nature. Thus, to manage water resources effectively and sustainably, proper application of advanced water analytics is one of the prime necessities of the present time. This chapter gives an overview about big data, their characteristics, applications, associated challenges, and open platform/proposed model supporting water resources.