Least-Cost Path Analysis to Identify Retrofit Surface-Water Conveyance Solutions

Abstract

AbstractLittle guidance is available on how to identify optimally managed surface flood routes that can be engineered into the existing built environment. This paper addresses that gap. A least-cost path analysis was used to develop a tool based on topography and land use that automates and reduces the subjectivity in the search for viable surface-water conveyance solutions. The method is aimed at planning authorities who may use the tool to develop long-term strategic planning initiatives that identify key areas within the catchment where there is the opportunity to implement and manage flood flow routes. The least-cost path methodology was applied to identify the optimum retrofit-managed surface-water flood routes in Keighley, West Yorkshire, U.K. Three potential solutions were selected, and all three solutions reduced the number of flooded properties and enabled the surface-water catchments to retain greater proportions of the excess surface water within the catchment at non risk locations. The methodo...