Comparative Analysis between Multi-Scale Observation Product (MOP) with Flood2D-GPU Model and FEMA Products: A 2017 Hurricane Harvey Case Study

The study introduces a novel data fusion method that leverages diverse data sources for flood extent identification during emergencies, focusing on Hurricane Harvey. By analyzing various data sources, including satellite remote sensing, aerial photography, and ground observations from social media and municipal systems, spatial and temporal maps of inundation are generated for Harris County, TX, particularly Houston. These integrated data produce a multi-scale observation product (MOP) of cumulative inundation over time and space. The MOP is compared with three independent products: the Flood2D-GPU hydrologic model and two FEMA products for maximum inundation extent and building damage assessment.