Scholarly record

GIS TECHNOLOGY USED TO STUDY FLOODS ON A RIVER SECTION

Gabriela Biali, Paula Cojocaru

Abstract

Our paper describes a case study, on a 27 km-long section of the Moldova River in Romania, on which floods often occur. Floods are some of the most disastrous phenomena caused by combined factors: atmospheric and hydrological with significant repercussions on the environment, with great material damage and loss of life. According to this application, GIS technology is a remarkable solution that can solve rationally, intelligently and efficiently the increasingly difficult problems related to these phenomena, to the use of terrestrial resources. GIS facilitates the processing and analysis of both conventional and remote sensing spatial data, integrated in complex and heterogeneous databases. Our paper shows real-time flood modelling by applying established mathematical-hydrological models. The identification and mapping of flooded areas are represented by field data collection and the use of radar images taken at the time of the floods, in combination with satellite images, taken before or after the events. Field data collection is often done using mobile equipment, which allows direct real-time connection to a resource center and fast information exchange. The GIS application described in this paper shows that both field equipment use and subsequent data processing allow fast mapping of floodplains and identification of affected areas and enable one to make fast calculations to determine, for instance, the optimal path between points of interest, depending on the actual situation on the ground (inaccessible roads, damaged bridges, etc.). This study suggests a solution for managing flood emergencies, both by directly collecting updated field information and by calibrating flood patterns by quickly mapping floodplains.

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