First results of an integrated flood forecast system based on remote sensing data

The integrated flood forecast system (IFFS) integrates multisensor remote sensing data within an operational spatially distributed rainfall-runoff model. The aim is to improve flood forecast through a better estimation of spatial input parameters. Especially the potential of SAR data, used for the determination of topographic information and for soil moisture parameterisation, is considered. Optical data are used for the classification of the land cover, which also influences the runoff process. A first demonstration run of IFFS shows the applicability of the system and the sensitivity of the model towards soil moisture information, derived from ERS SAR data