Developing cloud-based tools for water resources data analysis using R and Shiny

Abstract

Aimed at developing and utilizing the water resource appropriately, it is critical to analyze, mine and present the valuable information and knowledge. Until recently, analyzing the big data in an online environment has not been an easy task especially in the eyes of data consumers in water conservancy domain. Moreover, there is no single tool or a one-size-fits-all solution for big data processing and data visualization in a special field. This barrier is now overcome by the availability of cloud computing, R and Shiny. In this paper, we propose to develop cloud-based tools for water resource data analysis using R and Shiny. Following the whole solution, the implementation using long-term hydrological data collected from Chu River is introduced as an example. The results show that these tools are valuable and practical resource for individuals with limited web development skills and offer opportunity for more dynamic and collaborative water resource management.