Combined use of multi-temporal COSMO-SkyMed data and a hydrodynamic model to monitor flood dynamics

The availability of the data provided by present and future constellations of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors and the development of reliable flood mapping algorithms allows producing frequent flood maps characterized by high spatial resolution. Progresses have been also achieved in flood modeling, so that a joint use of SAR-derived and model-derived inundation maps seems to be very promising to improve flood mapping accuracy. This paper presents the major outcomes of a combined use of a multi-temporal series of COSMO-SkyMed observations and of a hydrodynamic model, accomplished within the framework of an activity aiming at the interpretation of the dynamics of the flood that hit Albania in January 2010. By calibrating the model with the COSMO-SkyMed derived maps, a number of products, such as a map of the maximum water depth, can be generated. Results show a good agreement between SAR-derived and model-derived flood extents. Moreover, the maximum water depths are found in the areas where floodwater was present for the longest period of time, according to COSMO-SkyMed observations.