Waternet manages thousands of assets: pipes, pumps, treatment plants and more. Each has its own data, often locked away in separate systems. The Object Type Library (OTL) brings these definitions together in one model. This makes data consistent, reusable and easier to share, both inside the organization and with partners.
The Waternet OTL application is built on the Wistor platform. It lets information managers and domain experts define concepts, attributes and relationships without needing deep Linked Data expertise. The result is a shared source of truth for all water infrastructure data. The OTL can be connected directly to operational systems, enabling seamless integration and long-term reuse.
Highlights of Waternet-OTL
One central model for all asset types, reducing ambiguity.
Supports alignment with open standards such as NEN2660 and sector ontologies.
Multiple users can work on the same model with version control.
Provides the foundation for digital twins and lifecycle asset management.
Managing a complex water cycle
Waternet is responsible for the entire water cycle in the Amsterdam region. This means managing a wide variety of assets, from pipelines and pumping stations to sewage systems and treatment plants. To keep this manageable, Waternet developed a central Object Type Library (OTL) that defines asset types, their attributes, and relationships.
From technical RDF model to clear interface
The OTL is expressed in Linked Data (RDF). While powerful for machines and IT systems, this format is difficult for people to interpret. The Waternet OTL Viewer, built with Wistor technology, translates the technical model into a human-readable interface. Users can search for terms, browse hierarchies, and explore relationships without needing RDF or SPARQL knowledge.
Improved collaboration and data quality
The Viewer provides version history, feedback options, and graphical navigation, reducing miscommunication and costly rework. By centralizing all definitions in one place, Waternet ensures employees, contractors, and partners use the same terminology and data structures.
Future-proof foundation
The Viewer is configurable and grows with the Waternet OTL. As new object types or requirements are added, the Viewer adapts, providing a reliable and future-proof foundation for asset management, interoperability, and innovation.
