Integration of high-resolution topographic data with floodplain flow models

Two-dimensional hydraulic models of floodplain flow are at the forefront of current research into flood inundation mechanisms, but they are, however, currently constrained by inadequate parameterization of topography and friction, primarily due to insufficient or inaccurate data. This paper reviews the effects of topographic representation on flood inundation extent prediction and presents initial results of a flood simulation using a new topographic parameterization surface produced from airborne LIDAR (laser induced direction and ranging) data.