Inundation Map Prediction with Rainfall Return Period and Machine Learning

Abstract

To date, various methods of flood prediction using numerical analysis or machine learning have been studied. However, a methodology for simultaneously predicting the rainfall return period and an inundation map for observed rainfall has not been presented. Simultaneous prediction of the return period and inundation map would be a useful technique for responding to floods in real-time and could provide an expected inundation area by return period. In this study, return period estimation for observed rainfall was performed via PNN (probabilistic neural network). SVR (support vector regression) and a SOM (self-organizing map) were used to predict flood volume and inundation maps. The study area was the Gangnam area, which has experienced extensive urbanization. The database for training SVR and SOM was constructed by one- and two-dimensional flood analysis with consideration of 120 probable rainfall events. The probable rainfall events were composed with 2–100 year return periods and 1–3 hour durations. The SVR technique was used to predict flood volume according to the rainfall return period, and the SOM was used to cluster various expected flood patterns to be used for predicting inundation maps. The prediction results were compared with the simulation results of a two-dimensional flood analysis model. The highest fitness of the predicted flood maps in the study area was calculated at 85.94%. The proposed method was found to constitute a practical methodology that could be helpful in improving urban flood response capabilities.