A GIS for Flood Risk Management in Flander
This chapter presents a concise overview of LATIS' methodology and its implementation for flood risk management in. Flanders.
Hydrological Risk Assessment at Praia, Cape VerdeIJEAB
Hydrology modeling became a relevant topic for the Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde, Africa, due to negative impact risk to local population and its assets. The modeling via Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can help the decision-making process of space occupation and characterization for this type of risk. Under the municipalities of Praia, the phenomenon of flash flood is common, causing soil erosion and landslide. This constitutes a risk for the local habitat, particularly in districts with a lack of strong human infrastructures. To simulate, analyze and generate risk maps using GIS to help this county governance authorities for decision-making, thus, becomes the main aim of this article.
DEM-based Methods for Flood Risk Mapping at Large ScaleSalvatore Manfreda
Oral presentation given during the meeting "Valutazione e Gestione del Rischio Alluvioni – Governance del territorio e contributo del mondo scientifico" of the project "Mettiamoci in Riga"
Floodplain Modelling Materials and MethodologyIDES Editor
A floodplain is the normally dry land area adjoining
river or stream that is inundated during flood events. The
most common reason for flooding could be overtopping of river
or stream due to heavy downfall. The floodplain carries flow
in excess of the river or stream capacity. Flood frequency and
flood water-surface elevations are the crucial components for
the evaluation of flood hazard. This paper presents the
methodology that incorporates advanced technologies for
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that are needed to be carried
out to predict the flood water-surface elevations for any
ungaged watershed.
Hydrological Risk Assessment at Praia, Cape VerdeIJEAB
Hydrology modeling became a relevant topic for the Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde, Africa, due to negative impact risk to local population and its assets. The modeling via Geographical Information Systems (GIS) can help the decision-making process of space occupation and characterization for this type of risk. Under the municipalities of Praia, the phenomenon of flash flood is common, causing soil erosion and landslide. This constitutes a risk for the local habitat, particularly in districts with a lack of strong human infrastructures. To simulate, analyze and generate risk maps using GIS to help this county governance authorities for decision-making, thus, becomes the main aim of this article.
DEM-based Methods for Flood Risk Mapping at Large ScaleSalvatore Manfreda
Oral presentation given during the meeting "Valutazione e Gestione del Rischio Alluvioni – Governance del territorio e contributo del mondo scientifico" of the project "Mettiamoci in Riga"
Floodplain Modelling Materials and MethodologyIDES Editor
A floodplain is the normally dry land area adjoining
river or stream that is inundated during flood events. The
most common reason for flooding could be overtopping of river
or stream due to heavy downfall. The floodplain carries flow
in excess of the river or stream capacity. Flood frequency and
flood water-surface elevations are the crucial components for
the evaluation of flood hazard. This paper presents the
methodology that incorporates advanced technologies for
hydrologic and hydraulic analyses that are needed to be carried
out to predict the flood water-surface elevations for any
ungaged watershed.
Forecasting and communication key elements for low-cost fluvial flooding earl...IJECEIAES
Fluvial flooding occurs when a river overspills its banks due to excessive rainfall, and it is the most common flood event. In urban areas, the increment of urbanization makes communities more susceptible to fluvial flooding since the excess of impervious surfaces reduced the natural permeable areas. As flood prevention strategies, early warning systems (EWS) are used to reduce damage and protect people, but key elements need to be selected. This manuscript proposes the monitoring instruments, communication protocols, and media to forecast and disseminate EWS alerts efficiently during fluvial floods in urban areas. First, we conducted a systematic review of different EWS architectures for fluvial floods in urban areas and identified that not all projects monitor the most important variables related to the formation of fluvial floods and most use communication protocols with high-energy consumption. ZigBee and LoRaWAN are the communication protocols with lower power consumption from the review, and to determine which technology has better performance in urban areas, two wireless sensor networks were deployed and simulated in two urban areas susceptible to fluvial floods using Radio Mobile software. The results showed that although Zigbee technology has better-received signal strength, the difference with LoRAWAN is lower than 2dBm, but LoRaWAN has a better signal-to-noise ratio, power consumption, coverage, and deployment cost.
DSD-SEA 2019 Seasonal drought forecasting using state-of-the-art hydro softwa...Deltares
Presentation by Mr. Irfan Sudono, MT Research Center for Water Resources – Ministry of Public Works and Housing (Indonesia) at the Seminar Hydro Software to support policy development and real-time decision making, during the Deltares Software Days South-East Asia 2019. Wednesday, 27 November 2019, Bangkok.
A Model of (P-GIS) for Hydraulic Protection Dams in Northern Moroccoijait
ACT To strengthen the quality of information, inclusion and implementation of continuous link between different categories of actors by mobilizing P-GIS as tools for participation and methodological aid to decision-making, and help to better understanding of environmental issues and challenges related to climate change, allowing regional authorities to better analyze and process. So what we've seen, that the conventional GIS does not include certain information such as social exclusion, displacement, narrative conflicts of use of land and water, cultural stories, local politics. Hence the need to find an effective method to circumvent these problems.
A MODEL OF (P-GIS) FOR HYDRAULIC PROTECTION DAMS IN NORTHERN MOROCCOijait
To strengthen the quality of information, inclusion and implementation of continuous link between different categories of actors by mobilizing P-GIS as tools for participation and methodological aid to decision-making, and help to better understanding of environmental issues and challenges related
to climate change, allowing regional authorities to better analyze and process. So what we've seen, that the conventional GIS does not include certain information such as social exclusion, displacement, narrative conflicts of use of land and water, cultural stories, local politics. Hence the need to find an effective method to circumvent these problems.
So this study is based on a software solution that is supported on the geographic information system (GIS) coupled with the participatory model to give the (P-GIS). By manipulating various GIS software el descriptive data collected directly from the study area of the dam Ibn Battouta. A Data Type Model was generated to model the flow of data and related information. The delineation of protection zones will then contribute to the superposition, by adding each of the identified factors. The result of this study has created a multi-source spatial data management. This produces what is appalled the demonstration model GIS-remote sensing.'' It is based on certain factors that use parameters observed in the field and the information collected from censuses.
Flooding is one of the most devastating natural
disasters in Nigeria. The impact of flooding on human activities
cannot be overemphasized. It can threaten human lives, their
property, environment and the economy. Different techniques
exist to manage and analyze the impact of flooding. Some of these
techniques have not been effective in management of flood
disaster. Remote sensing technique presents itself as an effective
and efficient means of managing flood disaster. In this study,
SPOT-10 image was used to perform land cover/ land use
classification of the study area. Advanced Space borne Thermal
Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image of 2010 was
used to generate the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The image
focal statistics were generated using the Spatial Analyst/
Neighborhood/Focal Statistics Tool in ArcMap. The contour map
was produced using the Spatial Analyst/ Surface/ Contour Tools.
The DEM generated from the focal statistics was reclassified into
different risk levels based on variation of elevation values. The
depression in the DEM was filled and used to create the flow
direction map. The flow accumulation map was produced using
the flow direction data as input image. The stream network and
watershed were equally generated and the stream vectorized. The
reclassified DEM, stream network and vectorized land cover
classes were integrated and used to analyze the impact of flood on
the classes. The result shows that 27.86% of the area studied will
be affected at very high risk flood level, 35.63% at high risk,
17.90% at moderate risk, 10.72% at low risk, and 7.89% at no
risk flood level. Built up area class will be mostly affected at very
high risk flood level while farmland will be affected at high risk
flood level. Oshoro, Imhekpeme, and Weppa communities will be
affected at very high risk flood inundation while Ivighe, Uneme,
Igoide and Iviari communities will be at risk at high risk flood
inundation level. It is recommended among others that buildings
that fall within the “Very High Risk” area should be identified
and occupants possibly relocated to other areas such as the “No
Risk” area.
In order to receive assistance from The Asian Development Bank, in case of damaged infrastructure caused by a disaster, the government should consider the need to improve their capacity to manage future disaster risks. Almost every disaster in Cambodia is flood related. This document focuses more specifically on flood risk management. However these principles are also applicable to all disasters. This document covers the approach of disaster risk management and flood management in Cambodia, past and ongoing activities, the institutional framework and it ends with a few recommendations.
Forecasting and communication key elements for low-cost fluvial flooding earl...IJECEIAES
Fluvial flooding occurs when a river overspills its banks due to excessive rainfall, and it is the most common flood event. In urban areas, the increment of urbanization makes communities more susceptible to fluvial flooding since the excess of impervious surfaces reduced the natural permeable areas. As flood prevention strategies, early warning systems (EWS) are used to reduce damage and protect people, but key elements need to be selected. This manuscript proposes the monitoring instruments, communication protocols, and media to forecast and disseminate EWS alerts efficiently during fluvial floods in urban areas. First, we conducted a systematic review of different EWS architectures for fluvial floods in urban areas and identified that not all projects monitor the most important variables related to the formation of fluvial floods and most use communication protocols with high-energy consumption. ZigBee and LoRaWAN are the communication protocols with lower power consumption from the review, and to determine which technology has better performance in urban areas, two wireless sensor networks were deployed and simulated in two urban areas susceptible to fluvial floods using Radio Mobile software. The results showed that although Zigbee technology has better-received signal strength, the difference with LoRAWAN is lower than 2dBm, but LoRaWAN has a better signal-to-noise ratio, power consumption, coverage, and deployment cost.
DSD-SEA 2019 Seasonal drought forecasting using state-of-the-art hydro softwa...Deltares
Presentation by Mr. Irfan Sudono, MT Research Center for Water Resources – Ministry of Public Works and Housing (Indonesia) at the Seminar Hydro Software to support policy development and real-time decision making, during the Deltares Software Days South-East Asia 2019. Wednesday, 27 November 2019, Bangkok.
A Model of (P-GIS) for Hydraulic Protection Dams in Northern Moroccoijait
ACT To strengthen the quality of information, inclusion and implementation of continuous link between different categories of actors by mobilizing P-GIS as tools for participation and methodological aid to decision-making, and help to better understanding of environmental issues and challenges related to climate change, allowing regional authorities to better analyze and process. So what we've seen, that the conventional GIS does not include certain information such as social exclusion, displacement, narrative conflicts of use of land and water, cultural stories, local politics. Hence the need to find an effective method to circumvent these problems.
A MODEL OF (P-GIS) FOR HYDRAULIC PROTECTION DAMS IN NORTHERN MOROCCOijait
To strengthen the quality of information, inclusion and implementation of continuous link between different categories of actors by mobilizing P-GIS as tools for participation and methodological aid to decision-making, and help to better understanding of environmental issues and challenges related
to climate change, allowing regional authorities to better analyze and process. So what we've seen, that the conventional GIS does not include certain information such as social exclusion, displacement, narrative conflicts of use of land and water, cultural stories, local politics. Hence the need to find an effective method to circumvent these problems.
So this study is based on a software solution that is supported on the geographic information system (GIS) coupled with the participatory model to give the (P-GIS). By manipulating various GIS software el descriptive data collected directly from the study area of the dam Ibn Battouta. A Data Type Model was generated to model the flow of data and related information. The delineation of protection zones will then contribute to the superposition, by adding each of the identified factors. The result of this study has created a multi-source spatial data management. This produces what is appalled the demonstration model GIS-remote sensing.'' It is based on certain factors that use parameters observed in the field and the information collected from censuses.
Flooding is one of the most devastating natural
disasters in Nigeria. The impact of flooding on human activities
cannot be overemphasized. It can threaten human lives, their
property, environment and the economy. Different techniques
exist to manage and analyze the impact of flooding. Some of these
techniques have not been effective in management of flood
disaster. Remote sensing technique presents itself as an effective
and efficient means of managing flood disaster. In this study,
SPOT-10 image was used to perform land cover/ land use
classification of the study area. Advanced Space borne Thermal
Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) image of 2010 was
used to generate the Digital Elevation Model (DEM). The image
focal statistics were generated using the Spatial Analyst/
Neighborhood/Focal Statistics Tool in ArcMap. The contour map
was produced using the Spatial Analyst/ Surface/ Contour Tools.
The DEM generated from the focal statistics was reclassified into
different risk levels based on variation of elevation values. The
depression in the DEM was filled and used to create the flow
direction map. The flow accumulation map was produced using
the flow direction data as input image. The stream network and
watershed were equally generated and the stream vectorized. The
reclassified DEM, stream network and vectorized land cover
classes were integrated and used to analyze the impact of flood on
the classes. The result shows that 27.86% of the area studied will
be affected at very high risk flood level, 35.63% at high risk,
17.90% at moderate risk, 10.72% at low risk, and 7.89% at no
risk flood level. Built up area class will be mostly affected at very
high risk flood level while farmland will be affected at high risk
flood level. Oshoro, Imhekpeme, and Weppa communities will be
affected at very high risk flood inundation while Ivighe, Uneme,
Igoide and Iviari communities will be at risk at high risk flood
inundation level. It is recommended among others that buildings
that fall within the “Very High Risk” area should be identified
and occupants possibly relocated to other areas such as the “No
Risk” area.
In order to receive assistance from The Asian Development Bank, in case of damaged infrastructure caused by a disaster, the government should consider the need to improve their capacity to manage future disaster risks. Almost every disaster in Cambodia is flood related. This document focuses more specifically on flood risk management. However these principles are also applicable to all disasters. This document covers the approach of disaster risk management and flood management in Cambodia, past and ongoing activities, the institutional framework and it ends with a few recommendations.
Use of different chemicals during leather processing produces wastes insolid, liquid and gaseous form. Exposure to different chemicals is the maincause of soil pollution, atmospheric pollution, water pollution and airpollution. Introduction: Leatherindustry is one of the most polluting industries.
Our nuclear weapons have given us the ability to negotiate and prosper in the face of hostile treatment from across the border. Let the world's rational minds come together to decide the future of nuclear energy, which is so beneficial to humanity.
A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a dietician who specializes in the treatment of people who have eating disorders. Assessment, intervention, monitoring, evaluation, and care coordination are all responsibilities of the RDN. Although the presenting symptoms of AN, BN, and BED differ, the assessment and management of these illnesses are comparable.
Biosensors are nowadays ubiquitous in biomedical diagnosis as well as a wide range of other areas such as point-of-care monitoring of treatment and disease progression, environmental monitoring, food control, drug discovery, forensics and biomedical research. A wide range of techniques can be used for the development of biosensors. Their coupling with high-affinity biomolecules allows the sensitive and selective detection of a range of analytes. We give a general introduction to biosensors and biosensing technologies, including a brief historical overview, introducing key developments in the field and illustrating the breadth of biomolecular sensing strategies and the expansion of nanotechnological approaches that are now available
shows the historical overview of biosensors in the period 1970–1992. Ever since the development of the i-STAT sensor, remarkable progress has been achieved in the field of biosensors. The field is now a multidisciplinary area of research that bridges the principles of basic sciences (physics, chemistry and biology) with fundamentals of micro/nano-technology, electronics and applicatory medicine. The database ‘Web of Science’ has indexed over 84000 reports on the topic of ‘biosensors’ from 2005 to 2015.
Soils become contaminated when harmful chemicals accumulate on a piece of land. Typically, due to previous industrial or agricultural activities, it reaches a point where the soil becomes or has the potential to become dangerous to people or other organisms in the surrounding natural environment. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that tens of thousands of contaminated sites remain in the United States that have the potential to cause environmental harm. Clean Earth plays an integral part in the process of remediating and reclaiming these lands for future productive uses.
In marine ecosystems, climate change is associated with concurrent shifts in temperature, circulation, stratification, nutrient input, oxygen content, and ocean acidification. There are also strong linkages between climate and species distributions, phenology, and demography. These could eventually affect the overall ecosystem functioning and services upon which the world depends.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
Climate Change All over the World .pptxsairaanwer024
Climate change refers to significant and lasting changes in the average weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It encompasses both global warming driven by human emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. While climate change is a natural phenomenon, human activities, particularly since the Industrial Revolution, have accelerated its pace and intensity
Artificial Reefs by Kuddle Life Foundation - May 2024punit537210
Situated in Pondicherry, India, Kuddle Life Foundation is a charitable, non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to improving the living standards of coastal communities and simultaneously placing a strong emphasis on the protection of marine ecosystems.
One of the key areas we work in is Artificial Reefs. This presentation captures our journey so far and our learnings. We hope you get as excited about marine conservation and artificial reefs as we are.
Please visit our website: https://kuddlelife.org
Our Instagram channel:
@kuddlelifefoundation
Our Linkedin Page:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kuddlelifefoundation/
and write to us if you have any questions:
info@kuddlelife.org
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
Willie Nelson Net Worth: A Journey Through Music, Movies, and Business Venturesgreendigital
Willie Nelson is a name that resonates within the world of music and entertainment. Known for his unique voice, and masterful guitar skills. and an extraordinary career spanning several decades. Nelson has become a legend in the country music scene. But, his influence extends far beyond the realm of music. with ventures in acting, writing, activism, and business. This comprehensive article delves into Willie Nelson net worth. exploring the various facets of his career that have contributed to his large fortune.
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Introduction
Willie Nelson net worth is a testament to his enduring influence and success in many fields. Born on April 29, 1933, in Abbott, Texas. Nelson's journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of the most iconic figures in American music is nothing short of inspirational. His net worth, which estimated to be around $25 million as of 2024. reflects a career that is as diverse as it is prolific.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Humble Origins
Willie Hugh Nelson was born during the Great Depression. a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. Raised by his grandparents. Nelson found solace and inspiration in music from an early age. His grandmother taught him to play the guitar. setting the stage for what would become an illustrious career.
First Steps in Music
Nelson's initial foray into the music industry was fraught with challenges. He moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his dreams, but success did not come . Working as a songwriter, Nelson penned hits for other artists. which helped him gain a foothold in the competitive music scene. His songwriting skills contributed to his early earnings. laying the foundation for his net worth.
Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough Albums
The 1970s marked a turning point in Willie Nelson's career. His albums "Shotgun Willie" (1973), "Red Headed Stranger" (1975). and "Stardust" (1978) received critical acclaim and commercial success. These albums not only solidified his position in the country music genre. but also introduced his music to a broader audience. The success of these albums played a crucial role in boosting Willie Nelson net worth.
Iconic Songs
Willie Nelson net worth is also attributed to his extensive catalog of hit songs. Tracks like "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," "On the Road Again," and "Always on My Mind" have become timeless classics. These songs have not only earned Nelson large royalties but have also ensured his continued relevance in the music industry.
Acting and Film Career
Hollywood Ventures
In addition to his music career, Willie Nelson has also made a mark in Hollywood. His distinctive personality and on-screen presence have landed him roles in several films and television shows. Notable appearances include roles in "The Electric Horseman" (1979), "Honeysuckle Rose" (1980), and "Barbarosa" (1982). These acting gigs have added a significant amount to Willie Nelson net worth.
Television Appearances
Nelson's char
Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic animals in District Ban...Open Access Research Paper
Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular zoonotic protozoan parasite, infect both humans and animals population worldwide. It can also cause abortion and inborn disease in humans and livestock population. In the present study total of 313 domestic animals were screened for Toxoplasma gondii infection. Of which 45 cows, 55 buffalos, 68 goats, 60 sheep and 85 shaver chicken were tested. Among these 40 (88.88%) cows were negative and 05 (11.12%) were positive. Similarly 55 (92.72%) buffalos were negative and 04 (07.28%) were positive. In goats 68 (98.52%) were negative and 01 (01.48%) was recorded positive. In sheep and shaver chicken the infection were not recorded.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
1. A GIS for Flood Risk Management in
Flanders
ENV sci 5th (section B)
Taskeen Rubab (2025117079)
2. 1
A GIS for Flood Risk Management in Flanders
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System
Abstract
In the past decades, Flanders, a region of north Belgium that extends from the coastline inland (in
northwest Europe), has suffered several serious riverine floods that caused substantial property damage.
As Flanders is one of the most densely populated regions in the world, a solid water management policy is
needed in order to mitigate the effects of this type of calamity. In the past, Flemish water managers chose to
drain off river water as quickly as possible by heightening the dikes along the rivers. However, this method
leads to a higher flood probability further downstream. Moreover, water defence infrastructure can always
suffer from technical failures (e.g., breaching) creating even more damage than would have occurred if no
defences were in place. In a search for a better solution to this recurring problem, the Flemish
administration proposed a new approach in the 1990s. This approach focuses on minimizing the
consequences of flooding instead of attempting to prevent floods. To implement this approach, large
amounts of data were gathered for the Flemish Region. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), a
risk-based methodology was created to quantitatively assess flood risk based on hydrologic models, land
use information and socio-economic data. Recently, this methodology was implemented in a specifically
designed GIS-based flood risk assessment tool called LATIS. By estimating the potential damage and
number of casualties during a flood event, LATIS offers the possibility to perform risk analysis quickly and
effectively. This chapter presents a concise overview of LATIS’ methodology and its implementation for
flood risk management in Flanders.
Introduction
Flanders is located in the center of northwest Europe, in the low-lying northern part of Belgium, bordering
the North Sea (Fig. 4.1). The region is characterized by a number of river valleys with moderate slopes and
minor elevation differences. During heavy torrents or long-lasting rainy weather, parts of Flanders are
regularly flooded due to overflow (and in rare occasions by breaching) of river dikes. As Flanders is one of
the most densely populated and industrialized regions in the world, adequate flood risk management is
necessary. In the past, the solution of the Flemish administration to the flood problem was to drain the
water downstream as quickly as possible by heightening the dikes along the river banks. However,
experience showed that this was far from an ideal solution. It has become clear that this method leads to
higher water levels and a higher flood risk downstream. Moreover, water defense infrastructure can
collapse due to technical failure such as breaching, often creating more damage than would have occurred
if no flood defense infrastructure had existed. In agricultural areas, the impacts of floods are limited due to
low population density, fewer buildings, and reduced amounts of infrastructure. In other areas (e.g., nature
conservation zones), flooding can even have positive effects. The opposite is true in densely populated
areas or in areas with important industrial activities. In these areas, extra effort and investment must be
made to try to reduce the effects of flooding, such as delineating controlled inundation areas to provide
short term storage for large volumes of water. In order to estimate and compare the benefits from each of
different types of measures, a uniform risk analysis approach is necessary. In this context, several
objectives were set by policy makers in the governmental note described earlier.
3. 1. The development of a methodology for the uniform calculation of damage and risk for the whole of
Flanders;
2. Use of this methodology to calculate change in flood risk and damage due to change in local
infrastructure works and/or land use; and,
3. A definition of data and software necessary for running the equations in a geographic information
technology (GIT) environment.
To meet these goals, Flanders Hydraulics Research,1 in cooperation with the Department of Geography at
Ghent University, developed a risk-based methodology to assess potential flood damage.
Overview of the Risk-Based
Several steps are required to calculate damage and risk. The first step requires the generation of a set of
flood maps, each representing the extent of a flood with a certain return period, using hydrological,
hydraulic, and digital elevation models. Second, different land use maps are combined with a variety of
socio-economic data resulting in a maximum damage map. This maximum damage map is subsequently
combined with the different flood maps to create damage maps for each return period. In the final phase,
these damage maps are combined into a single risk map.
Organizations involved
Flanders Hydraulics Research is part of the Department of Mobility and Public Works of the Flemish
Government and is responsible for the navigable waterways in Flanders (2005). Both land use maps are
included for two reasons: (i) the combination provides additional land use information unavailable when
using only one data source, and (ii) each data set has a different renewal period, so the most recent land
use map can be used when required. Insurance companies possess information on the monetary value of
individual households, but are generally unwilling to disclose such private information. For croplands,
another problem arises.
Flood Map Calculations
Before calculating damage and risk, it is necessary to estimate an area’s flooding probability through
statistical analysis of past water levels and flow rates. First, the return period, or average period of time in
which a particular maximum water level and discharge may occur, is calculated. Higher water levels and
discharge volumes correspond to longer return periods of occurrence. Calculating probability of
occurrence is performed using composite hydrographs, which are synthetic hydrographs integrated from
Quantity/Duration/Frequency (QDF)-relationships. These QDF-relationships statistically link every river
discharge with its duration and return period. Composite hydrographs have the advantage that in every
point along the waterway (and in the flood zones) the calculated water levels have the same return period.
Only one calculation is required for every return period, resulting in more rapid risk calculation models.
Framework for risk mapping (to be read counterclockwise, starting at upper left)
Damage Calculations
4. 3
In this step, land use information and socio-economic data are used to produce a maximum damage map.
This maximum damage map contains the potential damage value per surface area, where maximal damage
can occur from a hazardous event. Put differently, this map indicates the cost value for a virtual scenario in
which everything is destroyed by a (flood) event. By combining the maximum damage map with the flood
maps, expected damage for a given inundation can be calculated.
1. Different Types of Damage
2. Maximum Damage Map
3. Calculating Damage Maps
4. Calculating Damage Maps
Risk Calculation
In the final step, the different damage maps for each return period are combined into one risk map. As
stated above, risk is defined as the probability of a certain event multiplied by the damage caused by that
event. The risk (expressed as the mean annual damage per surface unit per year) is then equal to the
damage caused by an event with a 1-year return period, plus half of the damage difference between a 2-year
flood and a 1-year flood, plus one-third of the damage difference between a 3-year flood and a 2-year flood,
and so forth. The mathematical explanation of this procedure is explained in Equations 4.2 and 4.3:
Implementation of the Methodology in a GIS
Early GIS-Model
The development of the risk-based methodology described above is insufficient, of itself, to perform risk analysis.
The method needs to be translated into a useful model that executes all necessary steps in a pre-programmed chain
of actions. Starting with land use maps and flood maps, all steps to create risk maps are separated into sub models
based on a raster GIS approach. To determine whether to use raster or vector GIS, a preliminary study was
performed (Vanneuville et al. 2003). While the tests did not produce large differences in precision nor accuracy,
calculation times in raster GIS occur much more quickly than in vector GIS; 90% of the over 400 computations were
more optimally performed in a raster-based GIS (Burrough and McDonnel 1998). One disadvantage of raster-based
GIS is that the required storage capacities are much higher than for vector data; however, this is regarded as a
minor issue.
Development of a Flood Risk Assessment Tool: LATIS
In 2007, Flanders Hydraulics Research, in cooperation with the Department of Geography at Ghent
University developed a GIS tool named LATIS as a substitute for the model structure described above. One
of the main prerequisites for the development of the tool was a user-friendly and easily accessible Graphical
User Interface (GUI). Therefore, the GUI of LATIS (the “Client Application” in Fig. 4.6) is built in the C#.NET
programming language. The interface of LATIS is a simple windows application, hiding the complexity of
professional GIS software. The algorithms of the methodology are also implemented in C#.NET, but for the
execution of the geospatial operations, LATIS still uses the optimal computing capacity and built-in
standard modules (which perform the geospatial operations) of IDRISI. The .NET technology enables the
use and execution (in the background) of those IDRISI modules (Fig. 4.6, where the single-headed arrows
represent the relationships between the client applications and the IDRISI modules), which are stand-alone
executable files. The tool performs all necessary actions with the corresponding parameters in the
background of the application so the user only has to input data that affect the risk calculations (i.e., the
5. flood and land use maps and the socio-economic data).4 LATIS was also designed to address data
management by developing a system that allows administrators to easily manage basic land use maps and
socio-economic data. These maps and data are uniformly gathered for the extent of Flanders and are
centrally managed on a data server. The manipulation of these base data is possible via the LATIS
application of an administrator (shown in Fig. 4.6 by the arrows in the direction of the data server). When a
user runs a damage and risk assessment, the application selects and extracts the necessary data (the
standard is to select the most recent data) for the extent of a certain flooding scenario from the data server
(shown in Fig. 4.6 by the arrows in the direction of the applications). Consequently, the application performs
the preprocessing of land use and socio-economic data and the user only has to input the flood maps. The
data management system also records what data is used in an assessment so a specific risk calculation
can easily be repeated. Development of LATIS now allows damage and risk maps in Flanders to be
calculated in an efficient, uniform, and reproducible manner.
LATIS in Action: Impact of Climate Change on Risk
The calculation of climate change scenarios in Flanders is one of the first projects for which the LATIS tool
has been used. These climate change scenarios are based on regional climate models for different levels of
CO2 emissions. Based on potential change in rainfall and evaporation rates, a high, mean and low scenario
was defined for the summer and winter period in Flanders. In general, the potential for drought is expected
to increase during the summer, while changes that may occur during the winter are highly uncertain
(represented by a strong increase in flooding in the high scenario to a slight decrease in flooding in the low
scenario). The runs of the hydraulic model were executed based on the climate change scenarios and the
available measurement series for water level, discharge and evaporation in order to derive catchment flood
maps with different return periods. Both flood extent and water depth were used as the main factors
influencing damage. Flood maps were used to recalculate damage and risk maps with the most recent
socio-economic data available. These maps were used as references and compared with the flood risk
maps produced under the climate change scenarios. For all four scenarios (current, low, mean and high),
the flood risk is based on the same series of return periods as are used for flood map calculations (1, 50,
100 and 500 years). A relatively small increase or decrease in water level can cause large differences in
damage and risk. Vulnerable sites that are flooded once a century (on average) can be flooded more
frequently, causing the risk to increase significantly. On the other hand, a large increase in water depth on
agricultural land does not lead to a large increase in damage and risk because once crops are rotten, water
depth is no longer important. Economic damages are generally calculated for such features as housing,
industry, and agricultural land. However, special attention is given to local features that are: (1) sensitive to
extreme high damage values (e.g., power supply installations, museums), (2) important in case of an
emergency (e.g., fire brigades, police stations) and (3) problematic due to evacuation reasons (e.g.,
hospitals, retirement homes). Interpretation of the results of the damage and risk maps from the climate
change scenarios is done (as for all flood risk assessments) in a relative manner
6. 5
Conclusions and Further Developments
LATIS, a GIS application for assessing flood risk in Flanders, Belgium has been described, including an overview of
the underlying risk methodology, which incorporates hydrologic and hydraulic models, land use information and
socio-economic data. Presently, LATIS is being used as part of social cost-benefit analyses for estimating the
effects of flood mitigation measures. These analyses are being performed in support of several riverine and coastal
management plans, including studies on the widening and deepening of waterways, the construction of controlled
flood zones, and proposed improvements in the coastal defense infrastructure. These plans not Currently, LATIS is
limited to only four types of damage: monetary, internal, and direct/indirect. Future improvements to the
methodology could include adding external and non-monetary damage to the model. The model could be further
improved with the use of more detailed base data. The main reason the current methodology uses aggregated data
is pragmatic: data gathering is a time-consuming and costly job and processing time becomes longer with more
detailed data. Therefore, the decision was made to work with generalized spatial data and to proceed gradually to
more detailed data when more time and resources become available. This future work is important because
estimating the number of people who could be afflicted directly impacts evacuation needs. Fortunately, although
Flanders’ flood plains are densely populated, it boasts a dense road network that is expected to support substantial
evacuation numbers in the event of a calamity.
Flood risk hotspots of Pakistan
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