SSP&A’s projects frequently require management and analysis of data on groundwater elevations, streamflow, evapotranspiration, precipitation, and recharge. Typically compiled prior to evaluation of regional water supplies, these data are often obtained in digital format from federal, state and local agencies – although in many cases, historical data is only available in paper format. We compile these data into a suitable relational or meta-database prior to use for project analysis.
With in-house technical staff including earth and computer scientists who are fluent in several programming languages, SSP&A provides the following services:
Natural Resource Data Management, Including Time-Series and Spatial Data Management
An integral part of SSP&A’s work is designing, developing, and maintaining large geospatial datasets. Our personnel work with software and customize database routines and interfaces through SQL and Visual Basic programming to design, compile, integrate, and maintain data. Often the databases we receive are created from multiple sources that have heterogeneous data format and quality. Much of our work includes resolving these discrepancies so the data can be managed efficiently and accurately.
SSP&A’s analysts use GIS and visualization software including ESRI’s ArcView® and ArcGIS™, and EVS to provide custom graphical outputs, including large-format plots, 3-D visualizations, and to deliver digital products for internet-based use or on-site integration.
Machine Learning and Large Language Models
SSP&A makes use of private, on-premises machine learning (ML) and Large Language Models (LLMs) such as LLaMa 3 to accelerate understanding of document collections at scale. We are able to drastically reduce analytical lead time by leveraging Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and image classification tools to quickly generate meaningful summaries of tabular and unstructured data while protecting sensitive and controlled information. The context provided by RAG enables interrogation of documents and datasets for more detailed preliminary analyses, which are subjected to review and confirmation by experienced staff.
We also employ LLMs to rapidly generate queries and code within the context of specific datasets and database schema. With extensive testing and QA, the development cycle of complex data analysis is dramatically shortened, allowing for increased data validation and adaptability.
GIS Implementation, Design and Creation
- Data conversion and georeferencing;
- Digitizing and data manipulation (raster to vector);
- Spatial and temporal 3-D visualizations; and
- Project design including GPS field methodology, field data analysis, and custom database design.
Environmental and Engineering Support
- Remote sensing and aerial photograph acquisition and interpretation;
- Environmental database design;
- Natural resources monitoring and assessment;
- Soil and water quality analysis; and
- Utilities and transportation route selection and mapping.
Water Resource Applications
- Surface-water and groundwater modeling support;
- Geochemical site assessment;
- Regional climate and precipitation pattern mapping;
- Monitoring well site selection; and
- Watershed delineation.
Land Use and Land Records Management with GIS
- Legal exhibits, publications, and courtroom graphics;
- Land use planning and zoning;
- Development strategies and regional best management practices; and
- CAD-based map interpretation and creation.
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