Digital geospatial flood inundation mapping can be a powerful tool for flood risk management. Flood preparedness, communication, warning, response and mitigation can be enhanced by flood inundation mapping that shows floodwater extent and depth over the land surface. Flood inundation maps that accurately reflect observed and forecasted hydrodynamic conditions enable officials to make timely operational and public safety decisions before and during flood events. Real-time inundation maps, based on U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) real-time streamgage observations, National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts and US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood operations, can significantly enhance a community’s flood warning and response operations and systems. These maps enable local officials to make more informed flood risk management decisions and enhance the communication of these decisions to the public, thereby reducing loss of life and property. In addition, flood inundation maps and scenario analysis can inform all parties of the potential risk associated with various flood management options, prior to an actual flood event.
