natcap.rios 1.1.4

Resource Investment Optimization System

RIOS: Resource Investment Optimization System

This repository is for RIOS 1.1.4 and later which replaces our Google Code project formerly located at http://code.google.com/p/invest-natcap.water-funds.

About RIOS

RIOS (Resource Investment Optimization System) is a free and open source software tool that supports the design of cost-effective investments in watershed services.

RIOS provides a standardized, science-based approach to watershed management in contexts throughout the world. It combines biophysical, social, and economic data to help users identify the best locations for protection and restoration activities in order to maximize the ecological return on investment, within the bounds of what is socially and politically feasible.

RIOS was developed through an extensive stakeholder engagement process, including input from more than 11 water funds (watershed investment programs) across Latin America. The tool has been tested in diverse ecological, social and political contexts. Early applications in the Cauca Valley of Colombia resulted in RIOS-designed watershed investments up to six times more effective than typical investment approaches. RIOS enables watershed investors to use a replicable, transparent, and stakeholder-driven approach to evaluate projects within a region or between regions, making it easier to track the places where their investments are most needed and most effective.

Questions RIOS can answer

• Which set of watershed investments (in which activities, and where) will yield the greatest returns towards multiple objectives?

• What change in ecosystem services can I expect from these investments?

• How do the benefits of these investments compare to what would have been achieved under an alternate investment strategy?

RIOS Dependencies

RIOS relies on the following python packages:

• numpy

• scipy>=0.13.0

• gdal

• pygeoprocessing>=0.3.0a3

• pyqt4

Release History

1.1.4

Previous releases of InVEST were from a Google Code site but was migrated in June 2015. This is the first release of RIOS in less than ad hoc project structure.

• Restructured and refactored this repository from the one we used to have on Google code.

• Uses paver to handle builds, distribution, and archival of sample data.

• Uses pyinstaller to build frozen exes.

• Removed ArcGIS preprocessing toolbox and documentation from the installer since it was awkward for users to visit C:Program Filesrios

• Updates to user interface for documentation and ArcGIS preprocessing links.

• Created a single command line interface to launch IPA and PORTER named rios_cli_{version}.exe

• Updated shortcut links in start menu to show the version of RIOS to be launched.