Understanding flood risks is crucial for urban planning, insurance, and disaster preparedness. Floodplain mapping tools make it easier to identify areas at risk, helping governments, businesses, and homeowners make informed decisions. These tools use data from satellites, topographic surveys, and hydrological models to predict flood-prone areas and guide mitigation efforts. Let’s take a look at some of the best options available.
1. FlyPix AI
At FlyPix AI, we are redefining how floodplain mapping and analysis are conducted by leveraging AI-powered geospatial technology. Our platform processes UAV imagery, satellite data, and LiDAR to generate accurate floodplain maps, assess flood risks, and support disaster preparedness efforts.
By integrating multi-source geospatial data, FlyPix AI enhances flood modeling accuracy, enabling precise identification of flood-prone areas, terrain changes, and hydrological patterns. Whether for urban planning, infrastructure resilience, or emergency response, our solution streamlines floodplain analysis through an intuitive, no-code interface—eliminating the need for extensive technical expertise.
FlyPix AI automates flood risk assessment by analyzing terrain elevation, hydrodynamic models, and historical flood data. From evaluating residential and commercial properties to large-scale watershed management, our platform facilitates data-driven decision-making while reducing time and costs associated with traditional floodplain mapping.
Seamlessly integrating with existing GIS and asset management systems, FlyPix AI ensures that flood risk assessments remain comprehensive, scalable, and actionable.
Key Features:
- AI-Powered Analytics: Advanced algorithms analyze UAV and satellite imagery for precise floodplain delineation, water level estimation, and terrain analysis.
- No-Code Interface: Designed for accessibility, enabling professionals to generate flood maps and risk assessments without coding expertise.
- Multi-Source Data Compatibility: Supports drone imagery, LiDAR, and hydrological data, offering flexibility for various flood modeling scenarios.
- Scalability & Customization: Adaptable for small-scale watershed assessments or large-scale floodplain management projects.
Services:
- UAV-based floodplain mapping and terrain modeling
- Automated flood risk assessment and inundation modeling
- Change detection for monitoring flood-prone areas over time
- Custom AI model development for hydrological and floodplain analysis
- Heatmap and 3D visualization for enhanced flood risk communication
Contact Information:
- Website: flypix.ai
- Address: Robert-Bosch-Str.7, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
- Email: info@flypix.ai
- Phone Number: +49 6151 2776497
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/flypix-ai
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2. Flood Modeller
Flood Modeller, created by Jacobs, is a versatile hydraulic modeling suite designed to simulate river, floodplain, and urban flooding with 1D, 2D, and integrated approaches. It’s built to handle diverse flood scenarios, integrating with multiple data sources to provide accurate flood predictions for engineers and planners.
For floodplain mapping, Flood Modeller generates comprehensive inundation maps by simulating flood events across regions like the Thames Valley or coastal zones, using topographic and hydrologic data. Its advanced visualization tools help map flood extents and depths, supporting flood risk assessments and infrastructure planning to mitigate impacts on communities and ecosystems.
Key Highlights:
- Offers 1D, 2D, and integrated modeling
- Integrates diverse data sources
- Simulates complex flood events
- Provides advanced visualization
- Developed by Jacobs
- Supports urban and rural mapping
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain boundaries
- Analysis of flood depths and extents
- Visualization of inundation patterns
- Assessment of urban flood risks
- Modeling of river and coastal flooding
- Reporting for flood management plans
Contact Information:
- Website: jacobs.com
- Address: 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 3500, Dallas, TX 75201, USA
- Phone:+1 214-638-0145
- Email: integrity.jacobs.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/JacobsConnects
- X (Twitter): x.com/JacobsConnects
- Instagram: instagram.com/jacobsconnects
- LinkedIn (Company): linkedin.com/company/jacobs
- YouTube: youtube.com/user/jacobsworldwide
3. MIKE FLOOD
MIKE FLOOD, developed by DHI, is an integrated flood modeling tool that combines 1D and 2D hydraulic simulations to analyze river, urban, and coastal flooding. Known for its flexibility, it integrates with DHI’s broader water modeling suite, offering precise solutions for flood dynamics worldwide.
In floodplain mapping, MIKE FLOOD creates detailed flood maps by simulating water movement across landscapes like the Danube River or coastal plains, using high-resolution terrain and rainfall data. Its ability to couple river and overland flow models ensures accurate delineation of flood zones, aiding in flood risk management and urban planning to protect vulnerable areas.
Key Highlights:
- Combines 1D and 2D modeling
- Integrates with MIKE suite
- Simulates diverse flood types
- High-resolution flood analysis
- Developed by DHI
- Global application support
Services:
- Mapping of flood inundation zones
- Analysis of river and coastal flooding
- Visualization of flood extents
- Assessment of flood risk areas
- Modeling of overland flow
- Support for flood defense design
Contact Information:
- Website: dhigroup.com
- Address: Agern Allé 5, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
- Phone: +45 45 16 92 00
- Email: info@dhigroup.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/DHIgroup
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dhi
- YouTube: youtube.com/@DHIGroup
4. TUFLOW
TUFLOW, from BMT, is a powerful 2D and 1D hydrodynamic modeling software designed for simulating flooding and tidal processes in rivers, floodplains, and urban areas. It’s recognized for its computational efficiency and ability to handle large-scale, complex flood simulations with high accuracy.
For floodplain mapping, TUFLOW produces precise inundation maps by modeling flood events in regions like Queensland or urban catchments, leveraging detailed topographic and hydrologic inputs. Its advanced grid-based approach maps flood extents and depths, supporting flood risk analysis, emergency planning, and the design of mitigation measures to safeguard communities.
Key Highlights:
- Efficient 2D/1D modeling
- Handles large-scale simulations
- High-accuracy flood predictions
- Grid-based computation
- Developed by BMT
- Supports complex terrains
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain extents
- Analysis of flood depths
- Visualization of inundation areas
- Assessment of tidal flooding
- Modeling of urban flood risks
- Reporting for emergency planning
Contact Information:
- Website: bmt.org
- Address: 70 Victoria Street Westminster, London SW1E 6SQ
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7062 5838
- Facebook: facebook.com/BMTGlobal
- X (Twitter): x.com/BMT_Global
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bmt
- YouTube: youtube.com/user/BMTGroupLtd
5. WorldView Imaging
WorldView Imaging, part of Maxar Technologies’ satellite offerings (e.g., WorldView-3), delivers ultra-high-resolution optical imagery for detailed Earth observation. It’s a key technology for geospatial analysis, providing clear visuals and a vast historical archive for various applications, as noted on maxar.com.
In floodplain mapping, WorldView Imaging supports the creation of accurate base maps by capturing detailed terrain and land use data in flood-prone areas like the Gulf Coast or river deltas. Its imagery enhances hydraulic models, enabling precise flood boundary delineation and risk assessment, critical for planning flood defenses and updating flood hazard maps.
Key Highlights:
- Ultra-high-resolution imagery
- Extensive historical archive
- Supports geospatial analysis
- Captures detailed terrain
- Developed by Maxar
- Enhances flood modeling
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain base layers
- Analysis of land use patterns
- Visualization of flood-prone areas
- Assessment of terrain elevation
- Support for hydraulic modeling
- Reporting for flood hazard updates
Contact Information:
- Website: maxar.com
- Address: 3875 Fabian Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA
- Email: spacecommunications@maxar.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/MaxarTechnologies
- X (Twitter): x.com/Maxar
- Instagram: instagram.com/maxartechnologies
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/maxar-technologies-ltd
- YouTube: youtube.com/@MaxarTechnologies
6. TerraSAR-X
TerraSAR-X, from Airbus Defence and Space, is a synthetic aperture radar satellite system providing high-resolution, all-weather imagery for Earth observation. It’s widely used for environmental monitoring, delivering consistent data regardless of cloud cover or lighting, as detailed on airbus.com.
For floodplain mapping, TerraSAR-X tracks water extents and terrain changes in flood-prone regions like the Amazon Basin or coastal zones, offering critical data during flood events. Its radar capabilities enhance flood inundation mapping by detecting water boundaries under any conditions, supporting real-time flood response and long-term risk planning.
Key Highlights:
- High-resolution SAR imagery
- All-weather observation
- Detects water extents
- Supports real-time mapping
- Developed by Airbus
- Global coverage
Services:
- Mapping of flood inundation
- Analysis of terrain changes
- Visualization of water boundaries
- Assessment of flood extents
- Monitoring of active floods
- Reporting for risk management
Contact Information:
- Website: airbus.com
- Address: Airbus SE, B80 Building, 2 rond-point Dewoitine, BP 90112, 31703 Blagnac Cedex, France
- Phone: +33 5 81 31 75 00
- Facebook: facebook.com/airbus
- X (Twitter): x.com/airbus
- Instagram: instagram.com/airbus
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/airbusgroup
- YouTube: youtube.com/user/airbus
7. PlanetScope
PlanetScope, from Planet Labs, is a daily high-resolution imaging technology powered by a CubeSat constellation, capturing the entire Earth’s surface every day. It’s designed for environmental monitoring, providing consistent, detailed imagery for tracking landscape changes.
In floodplain mapping, PlanetScope delivers frequent imagery to monitor flood extents and land changes in areas like the Midwest U.S. or Mekong Delta, enhancing flood boundary delineation. Its daily updates support dynamic flood mapping, enabling researchers to assess inundation patterns and update risk models for effective flood management.
Key Highlights:
- Daily high-resolution imagery
- Global surface coverage
- Monitors land changes
- Frequent data updates
- Developed by Planet Labs
- Supports dynamic mapping
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain extents
- Analysis of flood boundaries
- Visualization of inundation zones
- Assessment of land use impacts
- Monitoring of flood progression
- Reporting for risk updates
Contact Information:
- Website: planet.com
- Address: 645 Harrison Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94107, USA
- Facebook: facebook.com/PlanetLabs
- X (Twitter): x.com/planet
- Instagram: instagram.com/planetlabs
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/planet-labs
- YouTube: youtube.com/@planetlabs
8. NewSat Imaging
NewSat Imaging, from Satellogic, is a hyperspectral and multispectral satellite imagery technology delivered via the NewSat constellation. It’s built for detailed Earth observation, supporting environmental and resource management with frequent, high-quality data.
For floodplain mapping, NewSat Imaging provides spectral data to map water extents and vegetation changes in flood-prone areas like the Nile Delta or Southeast Asia, improving flood zone accuracy. Its analytics enhance inundation mapping, aiding in flood risk assessment and planning by identifying water-affected regions with precision.
Key Highlights:
- Hyperspectral imagery
- Frequent data collection
- Maps water extents
- High-resolution visuals
- Developed by Satellogic
- Supports environmental analysis
Services:
- Mapping of flood zones
- Analysis of vegetation impacts
- Visualization of inundation areas
- Assessment of flood extents
- Monitoring of water spread
- Reporting for flood planning
Contact Information:
- Website: satellogic.com
- Address: 210 Delburg St., Davidson, NC 28036, USA
- Email: info@satellogic.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/satellogic
- X (Twitter): x.com/satellogic
- Instagram: instagram.com/satellogic
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/satellogic
- YouTube: youtube.com/@satl
9. Iceye SAR
Iceye SAR is a synthetic aperture radar technology from Iceye, using a small satellite constellation to provide high-resolution, all-weather imagery. It’s designed for rapid environmental monitoring, offering persistent data collection for critical applications.
In floodplain mapping, Iceye SAR captures flood extents and water movement in regions like the North Sea coast or river basins, unaffected by weather conditions. Its interferometric data enhances flood boundary mapping, providing real-time insights for emergency response and long-term floodplain management planning.
Key Highlights:
- High-resolution SAR imagery
- All-weather capabilities
- Rapid data delivery
- Interferometric analysis
- Developed by Iceye
- Supports real-time mapping
Services:
- Mapping of flood boundaries
- Analysis of water movement
- Visualization of inundation extents
- Assessment of flood impacts
- Monitoring of active floods
- Reporting for emergency planning
Contact Information
- Website: iceye.com
- Address: Maarintie 6, 02150 Espoo, Finland
- Facebook: facebook.com/iceye
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/iceye
- YouTube: youtube.com/c/ICEYEcom
10. Capella SAR
Capella SAR, from Capella Space, is a synthetic aperture radar system offering high-resolution, all-weather imagery with frequent revisit times. It’s tailored for environmental and disaster monitoring, delivering reliable data under any conditions.
For floodplain mapping, Capella SAR maps flood extents and terrain shifts in areas like Houston or coastal plains, providing precise inundation data during flood events. Its advanced radar capabilities support accurate flood boundary delineation, aiding in risk assessment and mitigation planning for flood-prone regions.
Key Highlights:
- High-resolution SAR imagery
- Frequent revisit times
- All-weather monitoring
- Precise inundation data
- Developed by Capella Space
- Supports disaster response
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain extents
- Analysis of terrain shifts
- Visualization of flood zones
- Assessment of flood risks
- Monitoring of flood events
- Reporting for mitigation strategies
Contact Information:
- Website: capellaspace.com
- Address: 438 Shotwell Street, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
- X (Twitter): x.com/capellaspace
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/capella-space
11. Delft3D
Delft3D, from Deltares, is an open-source hydrodynamic modeling suite for simulating water flow, waves, and sediment transport in rivers, estuaries, and coasts. It’s a flexible tool used globally for water management and flood studies.
In floodplain mapping, Delft3D creates detailed flood maps by simulating inundation in areas like the Netherlands or Mississippi Delta, integrating river and coastal flood data. Its 2D and 3D capabilities enhance flood boundary accuracy, supporting flood risk analysis and the design of protective measures for vulnerable regions.
Key Highlights:
- Open-source modeling suite
- Simulates 2D/3D water flow
- Handles river and coastal floods
- High-accuracy simulations
- Developed by Deltares
- Global water management tool
Services:
- Mapping of flood inundation
- Analysis of flow and sediment
- Visualization of flood extents
- Assessment of coastal flooding
- Modeling of flood scenarios
- Reporting for protective design
Contact Information:
- Website: deltares.nl
- Address: Boussinesqweg 1, 2629 HV Delft, Netherlands
- Phone: +31 (0)88 335 8273
- Facebook: facebook.com/DeltaresNL
- Instagram: instagram.com/deltares
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/deltares
- YouTube: youtube.com/@Deltaresfilm
12. OpenFlows FLOOD
OpenFlows FLOOD, from Bentley Systems, is a hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tool within the OpenFlows suite, designed for flood analysis and mapping. It integrates with GIS and terrain data to simulate water flow and flood extents efficiently.
For floodplain mapping, OpenFlows FLOOD generates inundation maps by modeling flood events in urban and rural areas like the Colorado River basin or city drainage systems. Its user-friendly interface and detailed outputs support flood risk visualization, helping planners mitigate flood impacts and design resilient infrastructure.
Key Highlights:
- Hydraulic modeling tool
- Integrates with GIS data
- Simulates flood extents
- User-friendly interface
- Developed by Bentley Systems
- Supports urban mapping
Services:
- Mapping of floodplain boundaries
- Analysis of flood flow patterns
- Visualization of inundation areas
- Assessment of flood risks
- Modeling of drainage systems
- Reporting for infrastructure planning
Contact Information:
- Website: www.bentley.com
- Phone: +1-800-236-8539
- Address: 685 Stockton Drive, Exton, PA 19341, USA
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/bentley-systems
- X (Twitter): x.com/BentleySystems
13. InfoWorks ICM
InfoWorks ICM, from Autodesk, is an integrated catchment modeling software for simulating urban and rural water systems, including floods. It’s designed to handle complex hydraulic scenarios, integrating 1D and 2D modeling for comprehensive water management.
In floodplain mapping, InfoWorks ICM creates detailed flood maps by simulating runoff and inundation in areas like London or suburban watersheds, using rainfall and terrain inputs. Its advanced analytics and visualization tools map flood extents accurately, aiding in flood risk assessment and urban planning to reduce flood vulnerability.
Key Highlights:
- Integrated 1D/2D modeling
- Simulates urban flooding
- Advanced analytics tools
- Handles complex scenarios
- Developed by Autodesk
- Supports water management
Services:
- Mapping of flood inundation
- Analysis of runoff dynamics
- Visualization of flood zones
- Assessment of urban flood risks
- Modeling of catchment flooding
- Reporting for planning solutions
Contact Information:
- Website: autodesk.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/autodesk
- X (Twitter): x.com/autodesk
- Instagram: instagram.com/autodesk
14. FLO-2D
FLO-2D, created by FLO-2D Software, Inc., is a 2D hydrodynamic modeling tool designed to simulate overland flow, channel flow, and flood inundation. It’s widely used for its ability to model complex flood scenarios, including unconfined flows and urban flooding, providing engineers with detailed water movement predictions.
For floodplain mapping, FLO-2D produces precise flood maps by simulating inundation in areas like Arizona desert washes or urban floodplains, integrating high-resolution topography and hydrologic inputs. Its grid-based approach captures flood depths and extents, aiding in flood hazard delineation, stormwater management, and infrastructure planning to mitigate flood impacts effectively.
Key Highlights:
- 2D hydrodynamic modeling
- Simulates unconfined flows
- High-resolution grid analysis
- Handles urban flooding
- Developed by FLO-2D Software
- Supports detailed predictions
Services:
- Mapping of flood inundation
- Analysis of overland flow
- Visualization of flood depths
- Assessment of hazard zones
- Modeling of stormwater impacts
- Reporting for flood management
Contact Information:
- Website: flo-2d.com
- Phone: 928-339-1935
- Facebook: facebook.com/Flo-2d-Software-Inc-162693640447054
Conclusion
Floodplain mapping tools are essential for managing flood risks and protecting communities. Whether you’re a city planner, an engineer, or a homeowner looking to assess your property’s vulnerability, these tools provide valuable insights. With advancements in technology, flood modeling is becoming more accurate, making it easier to plan and implement protective measures.
By using reliable floodplain mapping software, we can reduce potential damages and build more resilient environments. Investing in the right tool not only helps with planning but also contributes to a safer and more prepared future.
FAQ
A floodplain mapping tool is software that analyzes geographical, hydrological, and climatic data to identify areas prone to flooding. It uses elevation models, river flow data, and rainfall patterns to create maps that help predict flood risks.
Floodplain maps help city planners determine which areas are at risk of flooding, allowing them to design infrastructure that minimizes damage. This includes placing drainage systems strategically, restricting development in high-risk zones, and planning evacuation routes.
Yes, several government agencies and organizations provide free flood maps. Examples include FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center in the U.S., the USGS Flood Hazard Mapping system, and the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS).
The accuracy of floodplain maps depends on the quality of input data, such as topographic surveys, satellite imagery, and hydrological modeling. Climate change, land development, and outdated data can affect reliability, so maps should be updated regularly.
Yes, many tools are designed for public use, allowing homeowners to check whether their property is in a flood-prone area. This helps in making informed decisions about flood insurance and protective measures like landscaping modifications or flood barriers.
These tools rely on satellite imagery, digital elevation models (DEM), historical flood records, precipitation data, and river flow simulations to assess flood risks and predict water movement in flood-prone areas.
Yes, flood risks evolve due to climate change, urbanization, and shifts in river courses. Authorities and mapping organizations update floodplain maps periodically—often every few years—to reflect new data and ensure accuracy.