Sentinel-1a SAR Images to Detect Flooding Areas in South Eastern Mexico

The State of Tabasco in Southeastern Mexico is subject to recurrent floods affecting the rural and services sector with important economic loss. The objective of this study was to contribute in the determination of flooding behavior occurring in this State during the rainy season using SAR Sentinel-1A images. The project was realized in 2017, a year when registered precipitation levels attained an accumulation of 2,013.9 mm, when September and October were the rainiest months. Cartographic information was produced concerning flooded areas, water bodies and wetlands before the waters receded. This information was compared for the same areas during the dry season. The methodology is apt to be used to monitor floods by INEGI and by state governments' personnel elsewhere in the country to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. INEGI is the official organization responsible for geographic information in Mexico.