Global Flood Monitoring (GFM) is a project aimed at developing a satellite-based system for flood monitoring.
More specifically, the initiative aims to establish a global service for the continuous monitoring of flood events, based on the automatic processing of data acquired by satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), in particular the Sentinel-1 sensor. The information produced is made available free of charge and in near real time, through the Copernicus Emergency Management Service, to all relevant stakeholders—national authorities, emergency response units, research centers, and policymakers.
GOALS AND EXPECTED RESULTS
GFM aims to address three key needs:
- to ensure continuous and systematic global monitoring of floods;
- to improve the timeliness of flood maps to support emergency management;
- to make the activation of the CEMS Rapid Mapping component more effective through more accurate identification of areas of interest.
To this end, the system uses three independent, state-of-the-art algorithms for the automatic and systematic delineation of flooded areas and water bodies, utilizing Sentinel-1 SAR imagery acquired under any weather conditions, both day and night.
GFM also provides a long-term archive of global flood monitoring data, serving as a strategic resource for planning mitigation and preparedness measures for future events. Finally, integration with other Copernicus services enables the acquisition of relevant information to address challenges related to climate change.
CIMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION’S CONTRIBUTION
Within the project, CIMA Research Foundation is the lead of user support and technical-scientific dissemination activities.
More in detail, it is responsible for:
- implementing, operating and maintaining a user support service;
- periodically preparing user satisfaction reports based on collected feedback, in order to support the evolution of the GFM product;
- developing communication materials for scientific outreach and promotion of the service;
- participating in international conferences, seminars, and workshops, with the aim of increasing awareness of the product and strengthening its credibility.
Photograph: Zurla Marco/UIF
