Objective
Traditionally, flood forecasting is done by applying mathematical models of the hydrological and hydrodynamic processes that take place, from when rain falls until flooding occurs. Forecasts of expected water levels are forecast at given locations in the rivers, often at gauging stations where real time measurements are carried out. This is not an optimal situation as present hydraulic models use an assumed flow resistance that often gives inaccurate results and forms the basis for wrong forecasts. The launching of satellites with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments during the 1990's now provides the possibility of monitoring from space the spreading of flood water and soil moisture variation. The capability of these active microwave systems to perform measurements through cloud cover and during the night makes them particularly interesting.
The objective of this project was to develop a Water Management Model (WAMM) to integrate modelling tools with SAR facilities into a Decision Support System that will provide end users with the required information to decide on action in flood situations. The new tool should enhance flood forecasting and planning allowing for early warning to the population.
Three major objectives of the project were:
- technology Supply: in this context SAR images were processed to produce flood and soil moisture mapping, new facilities were developed to improve model performance. A prototype test was carried out in the Lesse pilot basin, where coincidently SAR imagery with a flood event was already available
- technology Assimilation focusing on the application of WAMM to two pilot sites: Tagliamento Catchment (IT) and Dendre Catchment (BE). This involved transfer and customisation in order to meet end users requirements. Technology installation and training was also be carried out.
- technology Diffusion: the project results were disseminated through activities, focusing on potential new end-users.
Extensive application of electronic media was planned (CD-ROM, WWW pages, etc.) in combination with conventional actions (conferences, newsletters, etc.) Further impact will be accomplished through regional dissemination in Sweden, where the municipality of Karlstad will act as a project observer.
The potential impact of this project on the Community's economy is tremendous since floods are a problem affecting many regions throughout Europe. The estimated return on investment calculated on the basis of the damages reported for the last floods experienced in the pilot basins is huge (38,3%).
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology radar
- engineering and technology environmental engineering natural resources management water management
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
35030 Sarmeola Rubano Pordenone
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.