SAR-HQ - Flood and damage assessment using very high resolution SAR data

The aim of SAR-HQ is to explore and expand the applicability of very high resolution X-band SAR data for flood mapping and damage assessment. Since flood events are usually accompanied by overcast sky conditions, weather-independent SAR platforms are particularly suitable for obtaining spatially-explicit information about inundated areas in a time- and cost-efficient manner.

While past and current C-band platforms (ERS-2, ENVISAT ASAR, RADARSAT) have a proven track-record for large-scale flood mapping, their potential for deriving flood perimeters in complex and small-scaled scenarios such as urban areas is clearly limited. However, with the advent of the new European X-Band SAR platforms TerraSAR-X and Cosmo-SkyMed which are capable of providing very high spatial resolutions, a very detailed assessment of flood extent and damages should be possible. Since an efficient flood mapping requires data acquisitions to match the maximum water level as closely as possible, a synergy of utilizing both X-band SAR-satellites complementary may also offer new opportunities in the temporal domain. In order to adapt to the demands and capabilities of these instruments, SAR-HQ is developing dedicated processing and analysis techniques. The project aims towards the integration of SAR data into operational processing and mapping workflows to ensure a fast and reliable access to detailed crisis information. By combining SAR-derived flood maps with ancillary data sources such as topographic and digital elevation data, information products will be generated which are vital tools for disaster management, risk assessment and post-hazard reconstruction.

SAR-HQ is embedded in the interdisciplinary oriented RIMAX programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The principal aim of RIMAX is to integrate different disciplines and several participants to develop and implement improved instruments of flood risk management. In the framework of the research programme, SAR-HQ will generate information products that will be employed for flood analysis, damage and risk assessment in association with the work of project partners.

• Project duration: 02/01/2007 - 01/31/2010
• Grant reference number: 0330719

Further information: RIMAX Homepage

Contact:

Dipl. Geogr. André Twele

+49-(0)8153-28-3510

Dr. Stefan Voigt

+49-(0)8153-28-3678