A Google Earth Module for Near Real-Time Flood Monitoring and Assessment (Case Study: Hurricane Florence Driven Floods in the Carolinas)

Abstract:

Flooding is one of the most destructive natural disasters, impacting almost every location around the world. Flood monitoring and assessment is an essential part of any community’s capacity to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of extreme impacts and consequences. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) based flood mapping is a standard and reliable method for determining the extent of major flooding on communities. Rapid flood monitoring and damage mapping using synthetic aperture Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a standard and reliable method for determining the degree of flooding impacts on communities. Apart from visual maps, SAR can provide damage extents in various formats compatible with geographic information system (GIS) applications. This study developed a near real-time Google Earth Module for Hurricane Florence-driven flood extent mapping and damage assessment in the Carolinas, designed based on the Santinel-1 SAR data, geospatial information, and MODIS Land Cover Product, to overcome technical barriers in flood risk assessment. Analysis suggests that the developed Google Earth Module not only created a quick and trustworthy flood impact assessment, but it also estimated the exposed population and assessed impacted cropland, communities and critical infrastructure systems.