The Geographic Information System Research Center at National Taiwan Ocean University, in collaboration with Taiwan Power Company(TPC)'s Department of Power Development, has been awarded the 19th Golden Map Award for Best Application System for their project titled "Ping Creek, Nan'ao Creek, and Hualien Creek Basins Integrated Information Platform for Hydrological and Hydraulic Reserves Analysis (和平溪、南澳溪及花蓮溪流域水文與水力蘊藏量分析整合資訊平台)." This project integrates hydrological data from Taiwan Power Company's database and observational data from the Water Resources Agency and the Central Weather Administration. It focuses on analyzing the hydroelectric potential in the eastern region of Taiwan, evaluating the unit generation cost, providing real-time rainfall alerts, and monitoring shallow landslides.

 

Professor Kwan-Tun Lee stated that the system will assist TPC in managing the safe execution of its hydroelectric projects.

 

Professor Kwan-Tun Lee (李光敦), who serves as the director of the Geographic Information System Research Center and is also affiliated with the Department of Harbor & River Engineering, emphasized the importance of green energy development to increase energy self-sufficiency, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, and mitigate carbon emissions to address global climate change.

The Golden Map Award, established by the Taiwan Geographic Information Society (TGIS), recognizes innovative technologies in the field of geographic information and is highly regarded by government agencies and businesses. The award was conferred to the center for its Platform for Hydrological and Hydraulic Reserves Analysis, which not only analyzes the rainfall, flow, and water level data required for hydroelectric planning but also assesses potential risks, aiding Taiwan Power Company in the safe execution of its hydroelectric projects to ensure sustainable industrial development.

The research team at the Geographic Information System Research Center has a long history of developing practical systems related to water resources and disaster prevention, assisting in water infrastructure planning and disaster management measures to reduce threats at their source. The team has also collaborated with Russia, India, China, and Thailand to establish flood warning systems and has developed the "KW-GIUH (運動波─地貌瞬時單位歷線模式)" model in partnership with Professor Ben-Chie Yen (顏本琦) from the University of Illinois. This model is used for flood control planning and real-time flood forecasting in ungauged areas, minimizing the impact and losses caused by disasters.

 

 

Professor Kwan-Tun Lee (李光敦) further explained that Taiwan's unique geographical location, steep mountainous terrain, and abundant rainfall make it rich in hydroelectric potential. However, development is constrained by factors such as environmental conservation and land use planning. The information system platform incorporates ecological conservation information, including natural reserves, wildlife protection areas, and important habitats, as well as areas with special development restrictions, ensuring that environmentally sensitive and unsafe areas are excluded from development. Professor Lee hopes that by combining efforts with other renewable energy sources, Taiwan can achieve its goal of having renewable energy account for 20% of total power generation by 2025, advancing toward sustainable development.

 

Prof. Kwan-Tun Lee, from the Geographic Information System Research Center, was publicly recognized by President Hsu Tai-Wen during the administrative meeting on September 14th.