Join Us at CACIS 2026!
We’re excited to share that Aquanty will be taking part in the Conservation Authority Collaborative Information Sessions (CACIS) 2026— a cornerstone annual event dedicated to advancing GIS, IT, and information management across Ontario’s conservation authority community.
DATE: May 12-13, 2026
LOCATION: 1101 Horseshoe Valley Road West, Barrie, ON
Since its inception in 2007, CACIS has brought together professionals from conservation authorities across the province, along with representatives from federal and provincial ministries, academic institutions, and the private sector. The conference provides a collaborative platform for sharing innovative work, exchanging ideas, and strengthening partnerships that support watershed management and environmental decision-making.
At this year’s event, Dr. Andre R. Erler, Senior Climate Scientist at Aquanty, will be delivering a presentation:
Presentation Title:
HydroSphereAI: Machine Learning-Driven Hydrological Forecasting in a Changing Climate
Abstract:
Hydrological forecasting remains a critical challenge for water resource management. This presentation outlines a promising Machine Learning (ML)-driven approach to operational forecasting that advances beyond traditional Rainfall-Runoff (RR) models. Evaluation of historical simulations against observed streamflow demonstrates excellent skill - even in ungauged basins, where traditional RR models struggle.
We begin by outlining the core technology underlying Aquanty's ML forecasting model, including key predictors, the training process and the uniquely augmented/customized training dataset.
We then present an evaluation of model skill for gauged and ungauged watersheds and discuss integration of real-time observational data to improve forecast skill, as well as extension to other critical variables such as snowpack.
Finally we show how the ML-driven forecasts integrate into Aquanty's real-time decision support system, HydroClimateSight, and review an early operational deployment across a several Ontario watersheds in collaboration with Conservation Authorities.
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Andre Erler is a Senior Climate Scientist at Aquanty Inc. His expertise lies in regional climate modelling and applications to hydrology and hydro-climatic extremes. Originally from Germany, he received the equivalent of a M.Sc. in Meteorology from the University of Mainz in 2008 and a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Toronto in 2015. Andre joined Aquanty in 2016 in order to study the impact of climate change on water resources and agriculture in Canada and provide insights into climate change impacts to end users.
Visit the conference website to view the full program, speaker lineup, and registration details.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Click here to learn more about the event and stay updated on program details.