Remote sensing and GIS for Flood Modeling &
Management
Role of GIS in flood forecasting and warning systems
Presented by
Pronjit Khersa
M.Sc. 4th Semester
Department of Environmental Science
Gauhati University
Flood Modeling: To comprehend and forecast flood behavior and effects, flood modeling is an
important tool. To anticipate the geographical and temporal distribution of flood waters, as well as
the damage and hazards related to them, necessitates the development of mathematical models that
replicate the hydrologic and hydraulic processes that lead to floods. Flood forecasting, risk
assessment, flood mitigation, and response planning and management are just a few of the uses for
flood models. For example, 1D hydraulic models, 2D hydraulic models, and hydrologic models.
Hydrologic modeling and hydraulic modeling are two crucial components of the evaluation and
management of flood risk. Hydrologic modeling is the act of analyzing the water flow in a river or
stream system using mathematical and computer tools. Gathering data on topographical elements like
elevation and land usage, as well as elements like precipitation, evaporation, and soil moisture, is required.
The data are then used to simulate the flow rate, volume, and timing of water at different sites along the
stream system. Hydrologic modeling produces data that are used in hydraulic modeling, which simulates
how water would behave during a flood event. This involves examining how water will flow through a
river or stream system and surrounding terrain,
while taking factors like channel shape, roughness, and water velocity into consideration. The depth and
extent of flooding in each area, as well as the location and timing of peak flows, may all be better
understood using hydraulic modeling.
The basic flowchart for a flood model.
(a) Define the study area—Determine the geographical area that will be investigated for flood risk;
(b) Data collection—Gather data about topography, hydrology, meteorology, land use, and other pertinent variables;
(c) Hydrologic analysis—Analyze the data to identify the flow characteristics of the study area’s rivers and streams;
(d) Hydraulic analysis—Use the hydrologic analysis findings to simulate water movement during a flood occurrence;
(e) Floodplain mapping—Using the hydraulic analysis results, make maps that depict the extent of potential
floodplain inundation;
(f) Risk assessment—Take into account the potential consequences of a flood occurrence, such as damage to buildings
and infrastructure, casualties, and financial impact;
(g) Flood mitigation planning—Construct levees and floodwalls, non-structural measures including zoning and land
use regulations, and emergency preparation and response to lessen the danger of flooding disasters;
(h) Implementation and monitoring—Put the mitigation strategies into action and monitor how well they work over
time.
REMOTE SENSING AND GIS APPLICATIONS IN FLOOD MANAGEMENT
1. FLOOD INUNDATION MAPPING:
• Flood mapping during the flooding and flood plain mapping after the flood recedes is essential. One
of the important information required is the nature and extent of the damage caused by floods in the flood
prone areas.
• Satellite remote sensing provides synoptic view of the flood-affected areas at frequent intervals for
assessing the progression and recession of the flood inundation in short span of time which can be used
for planning and organizing the relief operations effectively.
• Remote sensing can effectively be used for mapping the worst flood-affected areas.
• For mapping purposes, a pre-flood scene and a peak flood image would be compared to delineate the
inundated area.
• To evaluate impact of flooding on environmental concerns, such as, coastlines, forests, open space etc.
2. FLOOD PLAIN ZONING
Flood hazard zone mapping can be used as a means of non-structural flood control planning of the flood plain and
for making policy decisions to regulate the flood plain development activities. Using historic satellite data
combined with hydrological and close contour data, a flood hazard zone map can be prepared for flood prone basins
3. RIVER MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES
• To identify the changes in river course over a time period.
• To identify the erosion prone areas along the river course
• To study the efficacy of flood management structures
• The river configuration and flood control works maps can be effectively used to identify the vulnerable river reaches
and status of the flood control embankments/spurs so that necessary measures can be taken accordingly to avoid
breaches.
• The bank erosion maps can be used for planning bank protection works.
• The study of river configuration will be useful to understand the behavior of the river and can be used for laying
physical models.
Forecasting Prediction
Forecasting uses historical data and statistical Predictions are based on subjective judgment or assumptions about
methods to estimate future outcomes. future events.
Forecasting predicts outcomes over a longer time Predictions make educated guesses or projections without relying on
frame, often over months, years, or even decades. historical data or statistical methods.
Forecasting relies on historical data and statistical Predictions are short-term and immediate, often in the near future, up
methods, assuming that past trends and patterns will to a year.
continue in the future.
Forecasting provides a more accurate estimate of Predictions make assumptions based on expert opinions, intuition, or
future outcomes subjective judgment.
Forecasting tools, such as statistical methods, time Predictions are less accurate due to their reliance on subjective
series analysis, and simulation judgment and assumptions.
Flood Forecasting: It is a critical component of disaster management, leveraging Geographic Information
Systems (GIS) to predict and mitigate the potential impacts of flooding events. It involves the simulation
of water flow in streams and rivers, utilizing stream discharge hydrographs to model variations in water
volume over time. This predictive capability serves as a key tool for decision-makers in minimizing damage
and ensuring public safety in flood-prone areas.
Flood forecasting models typically incorporate advanced hydrodynamic and hydraulic simulations that
account for topography, land use, and historical weather patterns. This detailed analysis allows for the
prediction of not just if, but when, and where flooding will occur. The output from these simulations can
be visualized on maps that show flood extents, depths, and velocities, enabling more effective planning
and response activities.
REQUIREMENTS:
Topographic Data: Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) to analyze terrain and drainage patterns.
Hydrological Data: River networks, watershed boundaries, and historical flow rates.
Meteorological Data: Rainfall intensity, duration, and real-time weather forecasts.
Land Use/Cover: Urbanization, vegetation, and soil types (e.g., impervious surfaces vs. absorbent soils).
Historical Flood Data: Past flood extents and impacts for validation.
Infrastructure Data: Location of dams, levees, and drainage systems.
GIS TECHNIQUES AND WORKFLOW
Data Integration: Overlay layers (e.g., rainfall, slope, land use) to identify flood-prone areas.
Hydrological Modeling:
DEM Processing: Calculate flow direction, accumulation, and watershed delineation.
Tools: HEC-HMS, SWMM, or ArcGIS Hydrology Toolbox for simulating water movement.
Hydraulic Modeling: Tools like HEC-RAS and MIKE 11(1-D) or MIKE-21(2-D) to predict flood depth and velocity.
Risk Mapping: Combine factors (slope, soil, rainfall) using weighted overlay analysis to create flood hazard maps.
Real-Time Monitoring: Integrate IoT sensors, satellite imagery (e.g., Sentinel-1), and river gauges for dynamic updates.
Thank You
