Flood Mapping

Evaluation of Earth Observation (EO) data in respect to flooding allows a quick and consistent overview of large areas in high accuracy. Analyses from EO data improve loss estimation resulting in more efficient, faster and more accurate operation. Results also support estimation of flooding risk.

Flood Mapping Product

  • rapid overview of flooded areas
  • based on: evaluation from latest EO data (RADAR/optical sensors)
  • intersection of up-to-date information with further information layers in GIS-systems as e.g.: landuse classification, topographical maps and aerial views.
  • input for e.g. loss estimation
  • Rapid Flood Mapping Product: within 12h after acquisition of data possible.

2013 Elbe & Danube Flood Example: Maximum Flood Extent Product provison for the Insurance Industrie

  • Maximum water levels measured along the rivers serve as basis for the satellite image selection

Temporal aggregation

  • Maximum water levels measured along the rivers serve as basis for the satellite image selection
  • Final selection of best matching high resolution satellite observation
  • For the red river sections no optimum satellite information is available, which mostly is the case in the tributaries to the Elbe and Danube
  • The two Elbe (2013 and 2002) events clearly differ in their flooding patterns, mostly due to unpredictable dam failures

Monitoring of spatial and temporal dynamic of flooding events

Flooding of an industrial area

Examples in cooperation with SERTIT

  • Based on on a set of EO data
  • Information e.g. for: .assessment of industrial losses due to flooding of industrial areas lasting several days
  • Intersection of up-to-date information with further information layers in GIS-systems as e.g.: landuse classification, topographical maps and aerial views.

Examples in cooperation with SERTIT

  • evaluation if impact of flooding events
  • quick overview of flooded areas and identification of affected object, settled areas and agricultural areas, etc.
  • Based on Flood Mapping Product and classification of landuse
  • evaluation of consequences after flooding within GIS-systems
  • Large scale estimation of total losses of insured areas
  • Rapid flood impact map within 12 hours after delivery of satellite data possible (if landuse classification is existent)