New Flood Mapping Model Enhances Preparedness
A new flood mapping model named FLDPLN (“Floodplain”) has been developed that provides real-time intelligence on floodwater patterns and depths. The model can generate flooding forecasts to help from an emergency preparedness perspective, as well as post-event measurements to help recovery and restoration efforts.
How the FLDPLN Flood Mapping Technology Works
FLDPLN incorporates data from sources such as National Weather Service forecasts, elevation maps and physical stream sensors, as well as historical information, to generate the flood mapping models. It has the advantage over the more ubiquitous FEMA flooding model because, even though it is less precise, FLDPLN requires fewer inputs and is easier to automate.
The stream sensors are probably the most critical element of the technology. In Kansas, where the model is currently being used, about 200 stream sensors have been deployed to gather the necessary data.
These sensors paved the way for the first successful use of the model in March 2019, an effort that focused on 3 critical, flood-prone areas of the state. The real time flood projections were made available to the public in order to help residents understand if rivers and streams were at risk of overflowing. By all measures, the deployment was a major success.
Based on this initial success, the creator of the model, Jude Kastens, is working with CO-based Riverside Technology Inc. to commercialize the model for use outside of Kansas. It’s yet another bullet in the emergency planning chamber.
Flood mapping technology, whether it be FLDPLN or something else, should be useful to utility emergency preparedness personnel. Having this type of advance flood warning could help utilities proactively harden at-risk areas, and can help restoration crews navigate around flood-related road blockages. Although the technology is essentially in its infancy, I have no doubt that it will become more accurate and affordable over time.
