Exploring innovations in hydroinformatics

The conference showcased advances in applying information and communication technologies to the water sector. Key topics included the digital transformation of urban water systems, the implementation of smart water networks, and the integration of new tools for data analysis and complex water system management. These topics emphasize the growing importance of hydroinformatics as a multidisciplinary field, combining engineering, data science, and environmental management. In a world faced with increasing environmental challenges and the need for sustainable solutions, the role of hydroinformatics is more crucial than ever.

Given the hybrid format of HIC 2022, which saw both in-person and online participation, the event successfully navigated ongoing pandemic restrictions and geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine. The conference drew 208 participants, with about 70% attending in-person and 30% joining remotely (Georgescu & Georgescu 2023). It was encouraging to see such a robust engagement from both local and international attendees, reflecting the resilient spirit of the hydroinformatics community.

The papers in this special issue were chosen through a rigorous peer review process to highlight innovative research and practical applications within hydroinformatics. Among the 165 submissions from 39 countries, 110 were accepted for presentation, and the most impactful of these were invited for this special issue. The accepted papers for this issue were selected based on their originality, relevance, and potential impact on advancing knowledge in water management and hydroinformatics.

Each paper in this issue presents unique insights and advancements in hydroinformatics. From real-time data monitoring and IoT integration to advanced water system modeling and predictive analytics, the selected studies address both theoretical and practical challenges faced by modern water management. Some papers focus on the development of new models and methodologies for efficient water resource management, while others emphasize the potential of hydroinformatics to enhance sustainability through digital transformation.

The featured articles cover a broad spectrum of themes, including:

• Technologies for Water Management and Monitoring: Innovations in sensor technology, IoT, and automated monitoring systems: Seshan et al. (2024) and Simone et al. (2023).

• Big-Data and Water Data Management: Approaches to handle and interpret vast datasets essential for effective water management: Laucelli et al. (2023) and Piazza et al. (2024).

• Digital Transformation of Urban Water Systems: Integration of digital solutions for smarter, more sustainable urban water infrastructures: Ciliberti et al. (2023).

• Hydraulic and Hydrological Modeling: Advances in modeling techniques to predict and manage water flows and resources under various scenarios: Minaei et al. (2023), Tansara et al. (2023), Game et al. (2023), Wang et al. (2023), Gogoase Nistoran et al. (2024), and Ohya & Yamada (2024).

As guest editors, we hope this special issue will inspire continued innovation in hydroinformatics. The contributions here highlight the field's capacity to address complex water-related challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. We anticipate that the research presented in this issue will foster new collaborations and encourage further exploration into sustainable water resource management.

In closing, we extend our sincere thanks to all keynote speakers, authors, reviewers, and participants in HIC 2022. Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in creating this collection. Special thanks are also due to the organizing committees at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest and the University ‘Politehnica’ of Bucharest, for their commitment to the success of HIC 2022.