Flood risk mapping is a prerequisite for effective flood risk management. Flood maps and hydraulic models behind them firstly enable the identification of possible flood prone areas and secondly assist in the land use planning, rescue and communication. Hydraulic models also offer tools to simulate the transport of harmful substances in water systems.
More about flood risk management in Finland
Finnish Environment Institute has extensive experience in flood modelling and mapping. We have developed new methods for the needs of national flood risk management along applying widely the existing methods. These nationally tested methods have been further used in international projects. We are capable to produce solutions to challenging and rare cases, taking into account uncertainties related to modelling. Our expertise cover:
- Hydraulic modelling (1D and 2D flow modelling, dam break and transport modelling with HEC-RAS)
- Geographic information analysis and exploitation (ArcGIS, QGIS)
- Flood damage risk assessment
- Influence and consequences of ice cover and ice jams in rivers
- Watershed regulation
In addition to single assignments we are also open for knowledge transfer. We can customize a comprehensive flood modelling and mapping training, or if desired, focus on a single work phase only. Trainings may be built upon customer’s own case study data to maximize the benefit from the learning process and to produce concrete and assessable results. Training may be arranged using open software if desired and possible.
Wide experience from different projects
Our experience cover projects from single river segments to large watershed complexes. We have worked with environment and rescue authorities and municipalities. We have also expertise from many international projects. The feedback from the national and international trainings has been very positive.
We have given extensive trainings in the 2010’s, covering whole flood mapping process from hydraulic modelling to completed flood map service:
- Latvia (Flood Information System acquisition and integration into Integrated Environmental Information system in Latvia. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre. 2015)
- Georgia (Adaption to climate change in Georgia through improved capacities on flood risk management 2012-2014)
- South-America (Regional Andean Programme to enhance Weather, Water, Climate Services and Development PRASDES 2016)
- China (Guangdong Hydropower Planning and Design Institute 2014)
- Numerous HEC-RAS and flood mapping trainings for the Finnish Environment Administration
In addition for those mentioned above, we have given shorter one day educations or trainings considering flooding and preparation for different organisations (e.g. refresher courses in water resources in Universities of applied sciences). Educations have been organized The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centres), for universities and communes.
Contact information:
floodmapping@syke.fi
Publications
- Väisänen, S., Lehtoranta V., Parjanne, A., Rytkönen, A-M., Aaltonen, J. 2016. Resident’s willingness to invest on flood mitigation measures and to purchase flood insurance. FloodRisk2016. Conference paper. 8 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/20160722001
- Kämäri, M., Alho, P., Veijalainen, N., Aaltonen, J., Huokuna, M., Lotsari, E. 2015. River ice cover influence on sediment transportation at present and under projected hydroclimatic conditions. Hydrological Processes, vol 29, issue 22. pages 4738–4755, 30 October 2015. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hyp.10522/abstract
- Sane, M., Virtanen, A., Repo R. 2014. Extending the Finnish Flood Information System to Include Flood Risk Mapping. HIC 2014. 17th – 21th August 2014. Conference paper. Extending the Finnish Flood Information System to Include Flood Risk Mapping. HIC 2014. 17th – 21th August 2014
- Parjanne, A., Huokuna M. 2014. Flood preparedness in building – guide for determining the lowest building elevations in shore areas. YO 2014. Finnish Environment Institute. Environment Guide 2014. 80 p. http://hdl.handle.net/10138/135189
- Veijalainen, N., Jakkila, J., Nurmi, T., Vehviläinen, B., Marttunen, M., Aaltonen, J. 2012. Finland´s water resources and climate change – Effects and adaptation, final report of the WaterAdapt –project. The Finnish Environment 16/2012. https://helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/38789
- Huokuna, M. 2011. Effect of break up ice control structures to water levels caused by break up ice in the lower part of river Kokemäenjoki. Researches of Pori flood protection project. 23 p.
- Sane, M. 2010. GIS-Method for Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment. Master’s thesis. Aalto University Scholl of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture. 101 p.
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Huokuna, M., Aaltonen, J. 2009. Effect of different planning alternatives for water levels caused by ice and frazil ice jams in the lower part of river Kokemäenjoki. Researches of Pori flood protection project. 130 p.
- Alho, P., Sane, M., Huokuna, M., Käyhkö, J., Lotsari, E., Lehtiö, L. 2008. Mapping of flood risks. Environmental Administration Guidelines 2/2008. 99 p. http://hdl.handle.net/10138/41688
- Sane, M., Alho, P., Huokuna, M., Käyhkö, J., Selin, M. 2006. Guidelines for flood hazard mapping on a coarse scale. Environment Guide 127. Finnish Environment Institute. 73 p. http://hdl.handle.net/10138/41018