Urban flood modelling simulation with 3D building models from airborne LiDAR point cloud

Flood simulation modelling and analysis has been an important research area owing to the impact, the natural disaster can cause to humans and man-made resources. Accurate models and better visualisation of the flooding scenario are gaining prominence to improve the disaster preparedness and hence reduce the human and economic loss. Geo-spatial technologies have played a critical role in developing accurate flood simulation models over the years. Particularly precise elevation information obtained from LiDAR sensors have improved the flood simulation models. This work focuses on using 3D models derived airborne LiDAR point cloud over Vaihingen, Germany for flood simulation modelling. Initially 3D building models were developed in open source CityGML format from airborne LiDAR data. Flood simulation is demonstrated using open source HEC-RAS software incorporating high resolution elevation models derived from LiDAR. The methodological framework incorporates 3D building models with flood flow analysis using HEC-RAS software to demonstrate the flood simulation at different discharge levels. Web based platform was developed to visualize the flooding scenario for better governance.