Improved Flood Prediction
Traditional flood modeling often relied on digital terrain models (DTMs) with limited spatial resolution, neglecting intricate urban features that influence flood dynamics. The integration of LiDAR scanners with drones revolutionizes this approach by enabling the creation of ultra-high spatial resolution DTMs. The precision of LiDAR drones in creating detailed Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) means that flood predictions will be more accurate than alternative methods and farmers can better anticipate which sections of their fields are at risk of flooding.
Detailed Terrain Mapping
LiDAR drones significantly refine flood modeling accuracy by incorporating detailed urban features into DTMs. A case study in Accra, Ghana showed that DTMs with 0.3 m resolution from UAV-LiDAR surveys provided a more realistic terrain representation and better floodwater pathway predictions than traditional methods. With the ultra-high spatial resolution DTMs, farmers can have a detailed map of their fields, including small terrain features such as ditches and levees that could influence how floodwaters move.
Effective Disaster Preparedness:
By knowing the potential pathways of floodwaters, farmers can prepare more effectively, by installing appropriate drainage systems or creating elevated areas to protect crops. Accurate flood modeling could also impact insurance premiums and financial planning for farmers by providing data that better reflects their actual risk level.
Cost Efficiency
The study highlights the shortcomings of relying on coarser DTMs that lack the detailed data provided by LiDAR drones. In areas with flatter terrain, using a coarser DTM can lead to an overestimation of water flows by up to 62.5%. Avoiding the overestimation of water flows in flatter areas can prevent unnecessary expenditure on flood defenses that might not be needed.
Key Features of LiDAR Drones for Flood Mapping
- High-Resolution Terrain Data: LiDAR drones capture extremely detailed and accurate topographical information, providing high-resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs). This level of detail includes the topography of agricultural fields and potential obstructions to water flow.
- Rapid Data Collection: Drones equipped with LiDAR can quickly survey large areas, allowing for the rapid collection of data that would take much longer to gather through traditional survey methods or manned aircraft.
- Advanced Feature Recognition: LiDAR technology is capable of identifying and mapping critical features that affect flood dynamics, such as ditches, levees, embankments, and natural waterways, with precise elevation data.
Key Benefits to Farmers Using LiDAR Drones for Flood Mapping
- 1. Enhanced Predictive Analysis: The detailed data from LiDAR drones allow for the creation of more accurate flood models. Farmers can use these models to predict flood events with greater precision, which is essential for protecting crops and livestock.
- Improved Water Management: With better terrain models, farmers can design and implement more effective water management systems. This can involve creating optimal drainage paths, installing irrigation systems, and planning for water storage solutions.
- Cost-Effective Planning: Accurate flood maps help farmers to allocate their resources more effectively, avoiding unnecessary expenses in flood-prone areas. It also aids in making informed decisions about land use, crop selection, and infrastructure development to mitigate flood impact.
Embracing LiDAR drone technology marks a turning point for farmers seeking to safeguard their livelihoods from the unpredictable nature of flooding. The deployment of drones equipped with advanced LiDAR sensors offers an unparalleled high-resolution view of your land's topography, providing you with the crucial data necessary to predict and prepare for flood events with confidence. The precision of these models ensures that your efforts in water management and flood defense are both effectively targeted and economically allocated, leading to better protection of crops, livestock, and property.
Moreover, the speed at which these drones can survey vast tracts of agricultural land means that you are equipped with the most current data, keeping you ahead of the curve when time is of the essence. By integrating these detailed terrain maps into your planning processes, you are not only investing in the resilience of your farm against the immediate threat of floods but also enhancing your long-term operational efficiency and sustainability.
You can go deeper and read the full article here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-022-05308-9
Interested in integrating LiDAR drones into your farm’s flood mapping plan? Contact us today for a comprehensive consultation on our LiDAR sensors and drones, complete with complimentary training as per the Candrone Standard. Discover how LiDAR drones can revolutionize your operations.
