Web-based rapid mapping with earth observation and geospatial data supports flood response in Southern Germany in 2024

Kurzfassung

With the progression of climate change, Central Europe faces an increasing risk of extreme weather events, particularly floods and wildfires. One of the latest events took place in June 2024, when continuous rainfall in southern Germany caused water levels to rise. This paper presents the German Aerospace Center’s (DLR) operational response to the flood incident, focusing on the integration of Earth observation data and the dissemination of information via a web-based platform. DLR combined high-resolution aerial imagery, very high resolution radar and optical satellite imagery, and utilized flood extent masks derived from Copernicus Sentinel-1 and -2 data to support the flood response. The collected datasets were refined with ancillary geospatial layers such as building footprints and infrastructure data, before being integrated into a web-based viewer. The viewer allowed a dynamic visualization and data exploration by public authorities and disaster response organizations, facilitating efficient coordination and decision-making. The first information layers were published within hours of acquisition, and the web-based viewer was accessed more than 800 times during the first week. User feedback from emergency stakeholders highlighted the platform’s usability, relevance, and value in crisis coordination. While certain limitations were identified such as the reliance on internet access and challenges in urban radar interpretation, the workflow proved highly effective. This case study demonstrates how a national EO agency can leverage integrated geospatial data, automation, and dissemination tools to support rapid flood response. The approach presented in this paper provides a framework that can potentially be replicated in other countries and disaster scenarios.