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From flood paths to floodways, an efficient method to map, identify and evaluate suitable floodways: A case study
T I Skrede1, V Tørudstad2, V Pons2
1Department of Civil Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), S.P. Andersens Veg 5, 7031, Trondheim, Norway; Norconsult AS, Vestfjordgaten 4, 1338, Sandvika, Norway.
Journal of Environmental Management
|September 30, 2023
Summary
Urban floodways are key to managing intense rainfall. This study presents a GIS method to map and evaluate these natural drainage paths, enhancing urban flood resilience.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
- Hydrology
Background:
- Climate change and urbanization increase pluvial flooding in Norwegian cities.
- Existing stormwater systems are often overwhelmed by intense rainfall, leading to urban flooding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore using urban surfaces as floodways within stormwater infrastructure.
- To develop a spatial GIS method for identifying and evaluating floodways.
- To enhance urban flood resilience by integrating natural drainage paths.
Main Methods:
- Developed a spatial GIS method to map existing drainage lines and identify floodways.
- Implemented an automated process to identify potential stormwater management measures.
- Introduced critical points for hazard assessment and a classification method for floodway evaluation.
- Conducted a case study in Trondheim, Norway.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified and evaluated existing floodways using GIS in Trondheim.
- Demonstrated GIS's capability in mapping, evaluating, and prioritizing floodway measures.
- Highlighted the importance of assessing and securing areas that function as floodways.
Conclusions:
- GIS-based methods are adequate for mapping and evaluating urban floodways.
- Integrating floodways into stormwater management enhances urban flood resilience.
- Consideration of hazard potential and spatial uncertainty is crucial for GIS-based floodway analysis.
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