Water Wheel March 2022: Fourth Industrial Revolution

Abstract

Water research in South Africa: Getting ready for big data analytics Defined as very large and growing datasets from a variety of sources, big data cannot be processed using our traditional tools and digital infrastructure. A few decades ago, electronic spreadsheets revolutionised the workplace. They meant no longer having to add up long columns of numbers with a calculator, and enabled one to easily test different scenarios by changing a value in a cell or modifying a formula. Although big data can be way more powerful, it is much more difficult to work with. Higher level policy development (e.g. custodianship, pricing of products and services) is also needed to ensure that big data is used in a scientifically robust and ethical manner that benefits all. Commercial companies that have reaped the benefits of big data are plentiful. Biomedical research has also traditionally tackled large volumes of data with great success.

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