Civil Engineering June 2021 | Vol 29 No 5

Civil Engineering June 2021 13 information that is available in South Africa. The two most suitable platforms identified were QGIS Cloud, which is a free and open-source software, and ArcGIS Online, which is a proprietary software. Although these two platforms have similar functionalities, ArcGIS Online comes across as the most secure, reliable, and trusted platform for hosting the SAHA. SAHA data layers and functionality The data layers included in the online atlas are listed below. These layers aim to enhance the visualisation of South African water infrastructure and rivers and the hydropower potential that exists within. Q Q Base map and background layers Q Q Navigational layers – administrative boundary layers (i.e. provincial and municipal boundary layers) Q Q Road layer Q Q South African rivers and water infra- structure (i.e. WWTWs, DWS dams, DWS rivers, etc.) Q Q South African electricity infrastructure Q Q Hydrological and rainfall layers Q Q Temperature layers Q Q Existing hydropower plants in South Africa Q Q Potential hydropower sites in South Africa. The basic functionality features included in the atlas are summarised below, of which some functionality features are shown in Figures 2 and 3. Q Q Purpose, copyright and disclaimer Q Q Navigation / spatial selection / pan- ning / search Q Q Layer list / analysis / select / measure / pre-set queries Q Q Bookmark / print / sharing / add data / base map gallery / selection and display of attribute information / map overview. SAHA layout The layout of the web-based atlas, which is based on a generic layout of existing renewable energy atlases, is shown in Figure 4. The specified layout enables the user to easily access all the functionality options of the atlas. CONCLUSIONS AND PROJECT OUTCOMES The final web-based atlas aims to provide the following: Q Q Information on all existing and decommissioned hydropower sites ( www.Hydro4Africa.net already has a wealth of information on this (Klunne, 2012)). The information includes the name, province, river (if applicable), coordinates, owner, hydropower type, power output, flow, and head. Q Q Locations of all the potential hy- dropower sites identified during the evaluation process. The name, prov- ince, river (if applicable), coordinates, hydropower type, potential power output, flow and head will be provided for each potential site. Q Q Links to other relevant studies of the specific sites, pictures, reports, etc. Q Q Tools to assist with further detailed analysis will be linked to assist developers. Q Q A feedback page where users of the SAHA can provide feedback and make their own contribution to the atlas. The SAHA project will provide general information regarding the assessment of hydropower potential and will provide the information required regarding the feasibility of such projects. This is an ex- citing development which should enhance the uptake of micro-hydro technology, making local stakeholders (private sector, financial sector, government entities, etc.) aware of the opportunities of hydropower technology implementation within ex- isting South African water infrastructure and rivers. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This research is made possible with the financial support of the Water Research Commission whose support is acknowl- edged with gratitude. 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