Days after Storm Gerrit battered the UK, researchers from Glasgow University are working on new methods through which long range imagery could help develop an early warning system for floods
Scottish academics have unveiled new methods for using satellite data to monitor and combat flooding risks.
Satellite video footage could become an early warning system for flooding, allowing for appropriate on-the-ground planning, researchers from the University of Glasgow have claimed. By analysing footage from a Chinese satellite, researchers from the institution were able to measure the discharge of a flood along a 12-mile section of the Darling River in Australia.
They developed techniques to track and analyse the movement of visible surface features between frames in the video footage and later combined flow estimates with detailed elevation maps of the flooded area, providing a flow discharge to be within 15% of real measurements taken by stream gauges – a system which experts claim is costlier and more difficult to install in remote areas than the use of satellite images.
The university’s work follows severe flooding across Scotland caused by Storm Babet and Storm Ciarán last year and, more recently, floods in various parts of the UK following Storm Gerrit.
Parts of the East of Scotland experienced 235.9mm of rain throughout October – more than 80% above the monthly average. According to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, flooding incidents have been on the rise, with over 1,500 more occurrences during 2022/23 than in the 12 months previous.
Related content
- Space Agency puts £6.7m into Scottish satellites
- UKSA looks to progress space clean-up work
- UK Space Agency opens up satellite data to boost businesses
Glasgow’s team has published a paper, titled ‘Satellite Video Remote Sensing for Estimation of River Discharge’, in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.
The paper’s co-author Christopher Masafu from the university’s School of Geographical & Earth Sciences said that the institution’s research could have an impact across the globe.
“Close to 30% of the world’s population is exposed to flood risk and threats to the availability of fresh water. Despite that, many rivers don’t have stream gauges or other measurements in place, which limits how much we can learn about their flows and any potential risks they may pose to local populations during heavy rains.”
Satellite footage also allowed for a more in-depth insight; by providing a broader visual overview of large areas, video sensors could monitor geographical changes over time and the real-time spread of floods.
However, Martin Hurst, co-author of the paper, believes there is still work to be done.
He said: “There are limitations to the work we’ve demonstrated so far – the main one is that the measurement technique can only be used on footage captured during periods without cloud cover.”
This story originally appeared on PublicTechnology sister publication Holyrood
Thank you for writing this post!
I know of the fact that nowadays, more and more people are increasingly being attracted to digital cameras and the issue of photography. However, like a photographer, you need to first invest so much time deciding which model of video camera to buy along with moving from store to store just so you can buy the most economical camera of the brand you have decided to choose. But it does not end generally there. You also have to contemplate whether you should purchase a digital camera extended warranty. Thanks for the good ideas I received from your weblog.
Another thing I have noticed is the fact that for many people, below-average credit is the reaction of circumstances past their control. Such as they may be really saddled with illness so they have high bills going to collections. Maybe it’s due to a job loss or even the inability to go to work. Sometimes divorce or separation can truly send the funds in a downward direction. Many thanks for sharing your thinking on this site.
I do like the manner in which you have framed this challenge and it does supply us a lot of fodder for thought. Nonetheless, because of just what I have observed, I really wish as the commentary pack on that men and women continue to be on issue and not embark on a soap box associated with some other news of the day. Still, thank you for this fantastic point and whilst I do not really go along with the idea in totality, I respect your standpoint.
Howdy! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good info you’ve gotten right here on this post. I might be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
Excellent article! The advice on restructuring your mortgage is spot on. I’ve been using this strategy, and it’s helped me save me a lot of money. I also created a free tool to compare refinancing options, which your readers might find helpful. Great job!