Forecasting flood

One of the ways flood risk can be determined is by using very accurate 3D digital maps, captured from aircraft-mounted lasers. Ambiental is using this technique to assess the risk of flooding at critical utility sites across the UK. The project, undertaken on behalf of one of the UK´s largest water companies, uses LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data supplied by aerial survey specialist Bluesky to gauge the likelihood, extent and depth of potential flooding as part of a review of flood defence measures at each of the five sites. The Bluesky data is part of a 3D terrain map, available online, that covers most of England and Wales including all major urban centres, coastal areas and flood plains. The high-resolution LiDAR data, supplied by Bluesky, was used to map each risk in 3D to ascertain the spatial distribution of different flood depths. The results of these assessments were used for business planning purposes, specifically within cost-benefit analysis for flood defence measures at each site.