Development of intelligent information systems for operational river-flood forecasting

Abstract

The structural framework and practical implementation of operational river flood forecasting systems, based on integrated use of state-of-the-art information technologies and hydrological simulation methods, are described. They exemplify the practical implementation of an interdisciplinary approach that uses broadly the Earth’s remote sensing data, service architecture–based forecasting systems, and an intelligent interface to select the type and adjust the parameters of hydrological models, providing the interpretation, user-friendly representation, and accessibility of forecast results as web services. A practical trial of the system’s prototype proved the possibility to obtain high-accuracy operational (from several hours to several days) forecasts for the inundation areas and depths of river valley sections.