High Resolution Coastal Flood Mapping

Hurricane-induced storm surges, waves, and rain can all contribute to widespread coastal flooding, particularly in low relief areas such as southeast Louisiana. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data provides measurements that can be used to map flooding. The SAR imagery is unaffected by cloud cover and is usable both day and night. In 2002, we began collaborating with researchers at NOAA NESDIS  Camp Springs, MD. (through the ADRO II project) and gained access to SAR images of coastal Louisiana during the two week episode when Tropical Storm Isidore and Hurricane Lili impacted coastal Louisiana's water levels. Subsequently, SAR imagery and SPOT multi-spectral imagery were employed in the study of coastal flooding from Hurricane Katrina.  Results were published in (Kiage et al., 2005). Funding for this research was provided mainly by the Louisiana Board of Regents

Publications

  • "Applications of Radarsat-1 synthetic aperture radar imagery to assess hurricane related flooding of coastal Louisiana", Kiage et al. (Oct 2005)

  • High Resolution Coastal Flood Mapping

    Classification in SE Louisiana October 1987

    Classification of southeast Louisiana 1987

    Classification in SE Louisiana November 2004

    Classification of southeast Louisiana 2004

    Classification in SE Louisiana October 2005

    Classification of southeast Louisiana 2005

    Classification in SE Louisiana September 2006

    Classification of southeast Louisiana 2006

    Classification in SE Louisiana Ocotober 2010

    Classification of southeast Louisiana 2010

    Classification in SE Louisiana October 2011

    Classification of southeast Louisiana in 2011

    Chandeleur Island 1997 - 2011 Land Change

    Total land change in the Chandeleur islands from 1997 to 2011