Development and Dissemination of Three-Dimension Nature-oriented River Management Support Tools

 The Aqua Restoration Research Center is developing three-dimensional nature-oriented river management support tools that facilitate concurrent evaluation of flood control and the environment. These tools are integrated with iRIC software, enabling the analysis of river flow and riverbed fluctuations (Figure 1). RiTER Xsec, designed for topography editing, was developed in FY2009, followed by EvaTRiP Pro, allowing straightforward evaluation of river environments, in FYs 2020 and 2021. Both tools are now freely available for public use.

 RiTER Xsec features a 3D topography editing function, allowing users to scrutinize the modified river channel's topography while inspecting cross-sections for critical areas related to environmental preservation, such as river channel rapids, pools, and riparian zones. Leveraging the iRIC function, hydraulic calculations can be performed on the established channel topography, enabling flood control evaluation to ensure the designed flow rate can safely progress downstream. Similarly, EvaTRiP Pro facilitates the assessment of biological habitats in modified river channels (Figure 1). Consequently, by examining river channel topography from both flood control and environmental perspectives and utilizing 3D data of the river channel, efficient river planning for disaster prevention that considers the river's natural environment and human use can be conducted. Disaster recovery projects demand swift responses within tight timelines. We posit that utilizing the mentioned tools to examine topography in three dimensions under such circumstances will be highly beneficial in creating a nature-oriented river that takes into account the river's natural environment, human use, and flood control.
　

 Since FY2021, our primary focus has been on facilitating the widespread adoption of these tools. To achieve this, we organized three online seminars targeting river administrators, construction consultants, university researchers, and other stakeholders, providing comprehensive guidance on their usage. Additionally, we created and released explanatory videos, with a total of 10 related videos available on YouTube, garnering approximately 8,000 views.
 In terms of establishing guidelines for dissemination, these tools were featured prominently as the primary instruments for river environment assessment in the administrative communication titled 'Implementation of 3D Design of River Channels for Advanced Nature-Friendly River Improvement,' issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) in FY2021. Furthermore, the tools played a crucial role in contributing to the drafting of the guide titled 'Introduction of Three-Dimensional Design Tool for River Channel with the Purpose of Advancement of Rivers with Abundant Nature' (Figure 2), issued by the Japan Riverfront Research Center in FY2022.
 MLIT has articulated its policy to apply Building Information Modeling/Construction Information Modeling (BIM/CIM) to all public works projects, except small-scale ones, by FY2023. Beginning in FY2021, the ministry initiated trials of 3D nature-friendly river improvement using EvaTRiP Pro and other tools across nine major rivers under its direct control.
 Our commitment extends to enhancing the functionality of these tools continually, alongside bolstering training sessions and instructional videos, to further their widespread adoption and utility.
　

(Contact : Aqua Restoration Research Center)