Presentation of the result of a GIS-based flash flood risk mapping methodology
Abstract
Flash floods resulting from thunderstorms within mesoscale convective systems (MCS) are considered a significant challenge for all organisations involved in flood defence. As a result of such storm-induced events, which may cause flash floods, increasing emphasis is being placed on risk analysis and assessment systems, as well as on flood risk mapping methodologies. In the present study, the results of a GIS-based flood risk mapping methodology are presented for a study area in Northern Hungary. The methodology is based on vector and raster geospatial datasets and remote sensing data widely referenced in the scientific literature. It is supplemented with area-specific databases, including descriptive data from the forestry database provided by the National Land Centre and the regional digital e-Soter soil texture map. Since varying levels of importance may be assigned to these datasets in the context of a flash flood event, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) decision matrix was applied to determine their weighting, enabling the risk of flash flood events in real spatial contexts to be modelled as accurately as possible. The resulting risk maps were produced at a spatial resolution of 5 m, providing high-detail interpretation and allowing their direct application in practical flood defence operations. The methodology was compared with another national-scale flood risk assessment approach based on different methodological principles. It was found that the most excellent spatial agreement between the map outputs occurred under the most unfavourable assumptions; therefore, a detailed analysis of the higher-risk areas is also presented. The mapping methodology and its results are recommended for application by active participants in flood defense.
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