On the potential of Robust Satellite Technique (RST) approach for flooded areas detection and monitoring using thermal infrared data

Flooding is considered as the world´s most costly type of natural disaster in terms of both property damage and human causalities. The possibility to efficiently monitor flooding during the crisis and post-crisis phases is very important for supporting activities aimed at manage flood risk. Polar satellite sensors, like MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer), may ensure a steady and frequent stream of images for a detailed investigation and real time monitoring of flooded areas. In this paper, the Robust Satellite Technique (RST) approach has been applied to MODIS data acquired in the thermal infrared (TIR) region, to guarantee a continuous monitoring of flooded areas both during night and day. The Elbe river flood, occurred in Germany in August 2002, has been considered as a test case.