FAQ - Delft-FEWS

This map gives an overview of the FEWS applications worldwide. 

Delft-FEWS can import over 100 different data formats. It is also very simple to make a custom data import (if you know a little java).

Yes of course! Many researchers use Delft-FEWS to manage and structure their data, integrate models and carry out repeating tasks. If you publish your research, it is appreciated that you mention Delft-FEWS and provide us with a link or paper.

If you have a Support and Maintenance agreement, you get a new release once per year.

There are many ways to extend data processing functionality: (1) ask us, eg on the forum: maybe by combining existing transformations your functionality can be made (2) you can write a java class that can be included (3) use the API (4) make a small program or script that includes the functionality and connect it using the General Adapter.

Come to the Deltares Software Days! Or contact experts via the discussion forum. We are happy to include you in the community.

Yes! Delft-FEWS currently supports the following languages: English, Dutch, German, Spanish, Chinese, Indonesian, and Vietnamese.

Yes it is! You only need to agree with the license agreement. If you download the fully-functional demonstration version, you will be asked to agree with the license. Are you going to use Delft-FEWS operationally? Then we will provide you the full version after signing the license agreement.

Delft-FEWS is Open Software, but not Open Source. The reason not to open up the source code is that Delft-FEWS is being used in many critical systems and our clients prefer one organization to control the code. The open software approach still makes it possible to customize Delft-FEWS to your individual needs with the General Adapter and the open API. We refer to the official Open Source Statement of Delft-FEWS for more details. Source code snippets or example code can be found in the documentation (e.g. on many import routine pages). Since third parties can develop their own tools, import routines, data transformations or model adapters for Delft-FEWS, it is possible to requested (java) code snippets to get started. Please contact Delft-FEWS Product Management for more information.

It takes time and investment to learn Delft FEWS. Not because Delft-FEWS is difficult to customize: the use of XML in combination with an enormous knowledge base on the WIKI allows for fast development. Delft-FEWS has been learned by institutions and researchers around the world. This User Community has learned to translate their hydrological and systems knowledge into expert Delft-FEWS application. Normally however they have required support and training to get started, learn the conceptual basics and build functional applications.

We've removed the forum from this website and are currently moving all the questions to the Delft-FEWS wiki: https://publicwiki.deltares.nl/display/FEWSDOC/Delft-FEWS+portal+forum+questions

For more information on how to ask questions and where to find answers:

https://oss.deltares.nl/web/delft-fews/-/2393372-56

Delft-FEWS is not a model! It is a platform that integrates data and models. In theory you can connect any model to the platform, from open source models as Delft3D and HEC-RAS to licensed models as Mike11, as long as an adapter is available.

Delft-FEWS is developed at Deltares, an independent institute for applied research in the field of water, subsurface and infrastructure.

Of course, processing data and integrating it in models is not very difficult with current-day scripting libraries as available in eg Python. Nevertheless, you will have to reinvent the wheel again, do a huge amount of testing and be able to just develop a limited number of functionalities. Although learning how to apply Delft-FEWS might cost a lot of time, you directly have a huge amount of functionality, displays and model connectors at your disposal, not to mention the knowledge base integrated in the software collected from expert experience all over the world.