DHI Uses Airbus Satellite Images to Map Denmark Flooding
Water management company DHI used satellites to map Jan. 11-13 floods in Denmark.
On the weekend of Jan. 9-11, two storms passed over Denmark. During and after the storm flood warnings were issued in different areas of the country. To monitor and map the spatial extent of the flooding DHI GRAS asked Airbus Defence and Space to acquire TerraSAR-X satellite images over the areas. DHI then analyzed and mapped the flooded area.
The main advantage of using radar satellites like TerraSAR-X is the ability to acquire images independent of weather and light conditions, DHI said. It is possible to get an image of the actual conditions on the ground even during harsh winds (up to 35 to 40 meters per second in this case), massive clouds and rain, and during the night.
The illustration below shows parts of the flooded area around Limfjorden in Northern Jutland, Denmark. On the background radar satellite image the water is black while land area appears in white and grey tones. The light blue overlay indicates flooded areas.
The images were acquired over various parts of Denmark. By preparing and reacting to future and similar early warnings of flooding and storm events, it is possible to plan for new images to be acquired during the maximum extent of the water level.
About the Author: Tracy Cozzens
Senior Editor Tracy Cozzens joined GPS World magazine in 2006. She also is editor of GPS World’s newsletters and the sister website Geospatial Solutions. She has worked in government, for non-profits, and in corporate communications, editing a variety of publications for audiences ranging from federal government contractors to teachers.
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