Spatial Decision Making and Analysis for Flood Forecasting

Abstract

The application of flood forecasting models requires the efficient management of large spatial and temporal datasets, involving data acquisition, storage, processing, analysis and display of model results. Difficulty in linking data, analysis tools, and models is one of the barriers to be overcome in developing an integrated flood forecasting system. The current revolution in technology and the online availability of spatial data facilitate Canadians’ need for information sharing in support of decision making. This need has resulted in studies demonstrating the suitability of the web as a medium for implementation of flood forecasting. Web-based Spatial Decision Support Services (WSDSS) provides comprehensive support for information retrieval, model analysis and extensive visualization functions for decision-making support and information services. This chapter develops a prototype WSDSS that integrates models, analytical tools, databases, graphical user interfaces, and spatial decision support services to help the public and decision makers to easily access flood and flood-threatened information. Flood WSDSS helps to mitigate flood disasters through river runoff prediction, flood forecasting, and flood information (flood discharge, water level and flood frequency) dissemination. The ultimate aim of this system is to improve access to flood model results by the public and decision makers.