Urban flood damage estimation using GIS and remote sensing

A priori estimation of flood damage potential helps in crisis management after a large-scale urban flood disaster. Wenshan city is chosen as a sample study area. The procedure of the methodology involves the determination of floodwater depth using GIS method, the remote sensing image interpretation for urban land cover, and the model development for damage calculation. This study aimed at the development of a manageable and accurate estimation method for urban flood damage by applying methods using earth observation techniques and GIS. The results indicate that earth observation techniques and GIS can contribute to more accurate urban flood modeling and that they can be used to estimate possible damage to urban residential properties and infrastructure.