Hydrology: Current Research

Potential of Sentinel-1 and 2 to Assess Flooded Areas

Abstract

Ghaleb Faour

This paper illustrates the potential of Sentinel-1 and -2 for flood detection, mapping and characterization with the aim of establishing policies and procedures that need to be followed in order to lower the impact of future floods. The study area is located in Ras Baalbeck, where highlands meet vast plain area. As it relatively contains poor infrastructures and where income is mainly based on agriculture, flood prevention and mitigation initiatives are much needed. Multiple field visits were conducted to identify the affected areas. Based on the later and while computing thresholds, we did classify multiple satellite imageries into damaged and un-damaged areas. The results achieved were produced under Geographical Information System (GIS)-based software. The adopted methodology is described followed by an analysis of future perspectives. The flooded areas extended 5.08 km2 and over two major villages. While Sentinel-2 generated acceptable results, Sentinel-1 did not show any difference between affected and non-affected area in term of soil water content. Still, with their high spatial and temporal resolutions, these two satellites, particularly when coupled, could have the potential to identify the affected areas and to deliver compensations based on it.