SICE Journal of Control, Measurement, and System

Integration

ISSN: 1882-4889 (Print) 1884-9970 (Online) Journal homepage: https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/tmsi20

Flood Monitoring and Early Warning System: The

Integration of Inundated Areas Extraction Tool

Ponthip Limlahapun & Hiromichi Fukui

To cite this article: Ponthip Limlahapun & Hiromichi Fukui (2010) Flood Monitoring and Early
Warning System: The Integration of Inundated Areas Extraction Tool, SICE Journal of Control,
Measurement, and System Integration, 3:6, 476-482, DOI: 10.9746/jcmsi.3.476

To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.9746/jcmsi.3.476

Published online: 18 Jan 2021.

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 SICE Journal of Control, Measurement, and System Integration, Vol. 3, No. 6, pp. 476–482, November 2010

Flood Monitoring and Early Warning System:

The Integration of Inundated Areas Extraction Tool

Ponthip LIMLAHAPUN ∗ and Hiromichi FUKUI ∗∗

Abstract : This paper examines a satellite images processing system with a mechanism for detecting the inundated areas
and supporting to flood monitoring and warning. The interoperable handling system is established in order to freely
access the inundated areas with no defensive barrier by the software operability limitations. The ultimate goal of this
effort is to bring awareness of the potentially catastrophic occurrence that can be pre-detected and prevented altogether.
The development of the algorithm to extract the inundated areas and convey urgent messages during the time of crisis
is performed on a user-friendly web based interface. A careful examination of various locations on LANDSAT images
yields promising results. Although the size of images is limited by the available bandwidth of the web based application,
processing at 4000*4000*3 bands per image takes approximately 3 minutes. This is a significant improvement over
currently available methods for inundated detection systems. Additional benefits include software operation cost saving,
and reduction of operational expenses and time. Furthermore, it does not require technical expertise to predict the rise of
flood disasters.

Key Words : flood, spatial data, object extraction.

1. Introduction methodology for flood detection on a global scale. The Ad-

Natural disasters around the world cause widespread destruc- vanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observa-
tion of property, physical injuries and deaths. Even though nat- tion System (AMSR-E) is a passive microwave remote sensing
ural disasters are unpredictable of, mitigation measures can re- data. It is the method, which DFO used to detect flood events.
duce the severity of damages. Effective flood prevention strate- GDACS also offers close to virtually real time alerts to prepare
gies can significantly reduce the impact of natural hazards. for natural disasters such as cyclone, earthquake, flood, etc. The
Thus, information through data accumulation from reliable information is published using the Google web browser as an
sources is vital. Effective and timely data delivery is required interactive map.
for risk assessment and risk management in the community.
Floods are one of the most common natural hazards in the
Asian region. Increasing in human activities causes higher risk
of flood hazards and their level of impact. An integration sys-
tem for flood prevention and reduction is necessary. Therefore,
spatial data integration, receiving timely and accurate informa-
tion on disaster, and an effective detection tool for immediate
warning in the inundated areas from satellite images, if exist,
with no software barrier, can be operated as an early warning
system to reduce potential damages.

2. Related Work
Several system and models have been developed for flood
assessment and alert system. Figure 1 shows flood sequences
and the possible assessment and preparedness methods. Well-
known and widely used models and case studies are reviewed
below.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
(GDACS) [1] monitors floods in the cooperation with Darth-
mouth Flood Observatory (DFO) [2]. DFO developed the
∗
Keio Research Institute at SFC, Keio University, Kanagawa,
Japan
∗∗
Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Kanagawa,
Japan
E-mail: thip@sfc.keio.ac.jp, hfukui@sfc.keio.ac.jp
(Received January 18, 2010)
(Revised June 19, 2010)
Fig. 1 Flood sequence.
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) [3] provides flood por-
tal that is accessible by the internet. The on-going flood in-
formation illustrates current floods in Europe made available
through the European Terrestrial Network for River Discharge
under the collaboration with European Hydrological Services
and the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC) located in Ger-
many. This near-real time river measurements are mapped and
transferred to JRC through GRDC by the National Hydrologi-
cal Centre. Therefore, locations, where river levels exceed the
critical thresholds are then displayed. This near real time flood
forecasting system known as the European Floods Alert Sys-

JCMSI 0006/10/0306–0476 
c 2010 SICE
 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010
tem (EFAS) is available only for the national partner institutes
requiring authorized username and password for access.
DFO utilizes MODIS sensor, Terra and Aqua, to detect the
inundation map and also to, measure river discharge and river
flooding due to the frequency, at most locations twice daily.
Such information is available online for one week period. How-
ever, due to the, time lag resulting from satellite overpass to up-
date measurements, information is delayed at least one to two
days. The Dartmouth Active Archive of Major Floods provides
information collected from various news and reports of major
flood around the world. Affected locations are identified by
GIS.
In this research, Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB) is used as
the backend prototyping system. It is a programming environ-
ment which integrates computation, visualization and program-
ming for data analysis, graphic visualization, and application
development. MATLAB has been proved to be one of tools for
academic research in mathematics, engineering, science and in-
dustry. Several researches have already applied functions in this
program for relevant studies. William et al. [4] applied the Prin-
cipal Component Analysis (PCA) to remove redundant vari-
ables using MATLAB to classify and assess water bodies for
flood risk management. Another work related to disaster per-
spective can be found in M.H. Arslan [5], Arslan employed the
toolbox function in MATLAB to assess the structural perfor-
mance of the buildings to evaluate the effective design parame-
ters on earthquake using Artificial Neural Network (ANN).
Web-GIS provides the basis for allocating geo-spatial data
and mapping service through the easily accessible Internet [6].
The integrations of web-based application and environment is-
sues have been found in several studies i.e. Global Environmen-
tal Alert Service (GEAS) [7]. Jia et al. developed four compo-
nents, 1) Data platform, 2) Application platform, 3) Custom
application and 4) Information publication, in order to assess
real time water resources and rainfall-runoff prediction model
using a WebGIS-based system [8].
Several approaches in object programs and for extracting
object-based images have been proposed such as Definiens
eCognition, a traditional image classification based on a sin-
gle pixel known as pixel based classification. Each single pixel
with similar spectral characteristics are grouped into a same
class. The object-based image is different from the pixel-based
image in its meaningful image objects and their mutual rela-
tionships [9]. Neighboring pixels likely present the same land
cover class. This results in carrying out the pixel spatial, tex-
ture, form and shape of image information. The use of object
based image processing has been gaining momentum in differ-
ent field, for example, transportation, urban mapping and etc.
The change detection on SPOT image using an object-based
method was applied in mangrove ecosystems [10].
Flood monitoring using satellite data have been carried out
in various places. Due to the high variability in space and
time [11], difficulties are likely to arise in relation to finding ap-
propriate methods of satellite data collections. There are wealth
of information on flood that are now available digitally. Yet
there are missing elements that could drastically improve the
first response and increase the local awareness of natural dis-
asters such as flood. In addition, for both technical and non-
technical users to access these data sources and pre-process
them for flood event visualization is still extremely difficult.
477
The availability of auto-tool feature for detection must first be
implemented.
3. Problem Statement
The problem in the disaster management is not lack of tech-
nology [12] or existence of the relevant information. It is often
the lack of accessibility of the information. The capability to
efficiently use information technologies to discover and man-
age information, the ability to critically evaluate, and appropri-
ately apply such information to solve a problem, are the key
spirit of investigation and determination to find out disaster re-
covery solutions. Therefore, the means of identifying, locating
and accessing data and determining is crucial for carrying out
efficiently respond to the problem.
The Internet technology service is broadly recognized as a
method for distributing information. It is served as two-way
communications between service providers and users. As a re-
sult, a large number of web-based applications and services in-
cluding web-mapping services have been increasing. The Map
service provider, such as Google Map, Google Earth and World
Wind, offers the map visualization to the public. Millions users
from all over the world make use of the service which is easy,
hasty and effective. Such web mapping services applications
provide directions, interactive maps, aerial images, bird’s eye
view, and 3D images. They are efficient in viewing areas or
finding location(s) in normal situations. However, those ser-
vices do not function as a real time disaster-warning tool as
a majority. They do not serve for the purpose of natural dis-
aster warning such as floods alert. The reason is because the
procedure involves updated related data, satellite imagery, land
use/land cover, inundated areas and etc. which mostly recorded
by the local organization.
Immediate response to a flood event is the key command for
disaster management program. This includes methods for ac-
cessing urgent data and prompt communications in three stages,
which are prior to an emergency period, during the phase of
an emergency period, and the post emergency recovery phase.
Satellite images are promising for flood disaster locations due
to the frequency of retrieving images. A prompt manner to de-
tect the inundated areas from the images is also vital.
4. Framework of the Study
4.1 Framework
The system engaging in automated collection, monitor, pro-
cessing and timely spatial data dissemination of flood disaster
is an urgent need. One of the main functions, which has not
been found, is to develop the algorithm to detect the inundated
areas through an interactive system. It is an essential means
for spatial information system, which can develop useful appli-
cations in the events of flooding crisis. It serves to ensure the
increased accessibility to spatial data and its information and
to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency in responding to a
flood application.
Figure 2 shows the concept of the system. The whole scheme
is to setup technological infrastructure to facilitate harmonious
decision-making, and to implement and develop algorithm for
geospatial data processing. Natural disasters information, fa-
cilitated by the feed providers i.e. Global Disaster Alert and
Coordination System (GDACS) and the U.S. Geological Sur-
vey (USGS), will be stored in data disseminating platform. The
 478 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010
Fig. 2 System concept.
goal is to centralize all of the relevant information. The ini-
tial processing to identify the inundated areas from the satellite
image is expanded into the system.
Overall communication will be interacted through the web
based system. The interactive web browser allows users to
browse and query the information instantly. The stakeholders
can acquire and interact the system which made available with
appropriate privacy and respectability restriction.
The system will recognize security level access for each users
group. There are four levels for user access permission as fol-
lows.
1. System administrator – Users with administrative author-
ity is responsible for the following duties.
a) Computer system, to manage the account access system.
b) GIS system, involve with data input i.e. based maps and
other spatial and socio-economic information.
2. Operator/Observer – The second level access allow the au-
thorized staff to observe and involve with data transfer for
supporting early flood warning.
3. Director/Specialist/Head – A full permission is authorized
and prioritized to specialist to access the information, eval-
uate the situation and notify authority for decision on the
action plan i.e. level of warnings.
4. Public – The general access system will allow public to
view the information through the web browser. It aims for
local awareness.
4.2 Objectives
The objectives of the study are defined as follows;
1. Develop algorithms for the feature extraction to identify
the inundated areas.
2. Develop natural disasters information by acquiring infor-
mation from disaster providers, which are GDACS and
USGS.
3. Integrate spatial information from different geo-spatial
data sources, for example: GIS data, and Satellite images
into Web-based System.
4. Establish a test bed system, consists of inundated areas
detection functions and the inundated early warning sys-
tem, which allows authorized specialist to send emergency
warning messages.
This research utilizes the natural disasters information, i.e.
flood, earthquake, tropical typhoon, etc. which are provided by
GDACS and USGS, for early precautious for natural hazards,
focusing on flooding events. Thus, implementing a system-
atic process to retrieve information for collecting and analyzing
satellite images based on the location where flooded occurs, is
required. The test-bed system through this research paper is
customized to observe, investigate and send emergency com-
munications and early warning signals to the relevant organiza-
tions and authorities.
The attempt is to establish the system allowing users to pre-
detect the inundated areas through web based which can reduce
time and avoid the software expenses. The images result can be
downloaded for further analysis. The system adopts a broad ar-
ray of communication methods, such as setting up a web page,
sending email to inform of an emergency evacuation, and pass-
ing warning messages and other critical disaster information.
This approach is to ensure the increasing accessibility of disas-
ter information and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency
in response to the disaster.
It is essential to have a receiving data system to detect the
changes in critical variables, timely disseminate emergency no-
tifications, and provide early warnings [13]. It could cause
serious problems if such system is not available to the pub-
lic. It could be the cause of the loss of life and properties in
some sensitive areas. The finding of this research paper can be
used to prevent natural hazards. It can be applied to any areas
where flooding occurs. It will be beneficial to technical and
non-technical users.
 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010 479

5. Methodology
At the beginning stage, each module has been designed in
order to program in systematic.
Module 1: The Management System Module
Function and Security: This task is to identify role of autho-
rized person to login to the system. The system administrator
responsibility to create the internal user account in order to au-
thorized the related persons into system. Common user can
view and receive data at the necessary level for example flood
warning, inundated areas and disaster information.
Module 2: The Observing System Module
Data Handling and Processing: This function receives the
natural disasters information from feed providers and store to
the database. An automated receiver, a mean to collect infor-
Fig. 3 Receiving and detection flow.
mation i.e. date, location, details of disaster events is set up
to communicate between the system and the sources of data
provider. Natural disasters information will be retrieved every
three hours. The location and information will appear in the
web-based during 7 days period. Historical data will be re-
tained in the database. The information provides through the
well-known organizations are reliable, consistent in time series
and better observed data in a world of dynamic environment
changes these days.
Module 3: The Monitoring System Module Fig. 4 Verified situation warning.
Function and Commencement: This module starts once the
urgent situation occurs in the areas. In the case of emergency, Remarks for Module 3 and Module 5: The implementation
the system will send the emails and mobile messages to mon- on this module needs further collaboration in order to register
itoring staff(s) and disaster analyst(s). Monitoring staff(s) and the responsive persons into the system.
disaster analyst(s) will be the recipient of the alert messages.
The monitoring staff(s) will be responsive to incoming disas- 6. Results
ters warning messages i.e. collect satellite images and GIS data 6.1 Observing and Restoring Data
for further processing, if needed. The Internet is a path to the worldwide connection, which en-
Module 4: Object Based Image Processing Module ables global communications these days. The numbers of orga-
Algorithm and Data Processing: The additional module em- nization have been providing the natural disasters information
bedded to the system, defines as the image processing which regularly. Near-real time receiving system can achieve its goal
focuses on water detection. MATLAB employs as the back- through the Internet network. Computers networks that con-
end prototyping system. Algorithm is developed to extract the nect to various types of communication channels are a mech-
inundated area. Filtering is the first adjustment applied to the anism to transmit data/information from one place to another.
image as the edge enhancement operator [14]. Edge Detection Local communities can stay alert, act promptly to emergency
employed to define the edge from an input image by estimat- events, and consequently reduce the loss of lives and properties
ing the gradient magnitude. Threshold value will be identified from tragic disasters. The result from observing system module
which gradient magnitude above the threshold value correspond shows in Fig. 5. The natural disasters information retrieved on
to edges [15]. In the other word, the pixel location where the three (3) hour basis from feed providers, GDACS and USGS.
magnitude of the gradient is larger than a threshold value, these The system will classify the disaster types such as flood, earth-
locations typically occur at the boundaries of the object. The quake, typhoon, etc. prior to appearing on the geo-spatial web
final step will be applied structuring the image for the outcome based system.
shows the inundated areas. The detection inundated areas mod-
ule requires that users input are data acquiring from satellite
images, the header file, and datum. Figure 3 shows the flow
of receiving disaster information and detection inundated areas
processing.
Module 5: The Communication System Module.
Function and Authority: This module is to convey alert mes-
sage from authorized person to the public users. Director is
the main actor who approve for warning situation while disas-
ter analyst takes action promptly. Disaster analyst will identify
the risk and affected areas and display on the web mapping if
occurs. Figure 4 shows activities of the system users to verify
disaster situation.
Fig. 5 Disaster information.
 480 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010

6.2 Inundated Areas Detection

The algorithms have been developed with different thresh-
old value combination to obtain the optimal result, the final ap-
proach study will be expanded to the interactive web based.
A Personal Computer on Windows Vista operating system
has been used to run the system. The satellite images from
various countries i.e. Cambodia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Nepal,
etc. were downloaded from the Global Land Cover Facility
(GLCF), ftp.glcf.umd.edu/index.shtml.
The detected inundated areas has been converted to polygon
using ArcGIS and overlaid on satellite images to present clear
scenes. Based on investigation results using the Landsat im-
ages and the inundated detection module, the algorithm can be
applied to various locations. (Figs. 6 and 7). The average time
consumption for each images is about 3 minutes per scene (with
6 MB image size). Figure 8 shows the processing time through
the web based system. The outcome of processing system were
summarized as follows.

a) Due to a memory obstacle, image size less than 6 MB (rec-

ommend at 4000*4000* 3Band).

b) Water Areas are clearly identified by a combination false

image. It is recommended over R:G:B=4:3:2 or R:G:B=
7:4:2.

c) Processing time is about 3 minute per scene at the about

6 MB, the processing time consumption reduces at the less
file size.

d) The detected areas are promising on the flood plain areas

such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam compared to high
altitude areas such as Nepal, Bhutan. This is because the
images at the high altitude level are more affected from ice
and mountain shadows.

Fig. 7 Inundated areas detection.

e) Consequently, the statement d) draws the possibility to in-

crease the accurate inundated areas detection over high al-
titude areas by pre-processing image i.e. mask dominant
unwanted areas (shadow and ice) before exploiting the de-
tection module in this system.

In conclusion, detecting the inundated areas from the satellite

Fig. 6 Inundated areas detection, Cambodia.
images in hand can avoid burdensome image processing hard-
ware and software costs and technical know-how’s. A knowl-
edgeable user can benefit from this service by reducing the time
spent at the office desk and be able to manage tasks anywhere,
anytime where internet is accessible.
In addition, the outcome can be applied to assess the vulner-
ability caused by flood as shown in Fig. 9. Yet, the adjustment
from the output is required to receive the best result.
 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010
Fig. 8 Processing times.
Fig. 9 Village over inundated areas.
6.3 Early Warning System
Alert message will be performed in two stages as follows.
1. Following receiving natural disasters information.
2. In the case of emergency, the authorized person can use
the system to send the warning messages.
Web-based technology is the service with low cost. It does
not require specialists’ knowledge in the communication field.
The well-designed system facilitates the entire process from re-
ceiving data system, detects changes in critical variables, pub-
lish the emergency notifications to provide early warnings.
The early warning module was successfully established for
sending the alert text messages from e-mails to mobile commu-
nication devices and e-mails. It can be linked to alert in a case
of emergency more rapidly and better decision making.
6.4 Spatial Web Portal
User-friendly web interface is the interactive means of com-
munication, which is simple, efficiency and effective. It allows
smooth transfer of spatial information to the end users. It is de-
veloped to provide easy access to all users who can make query,
and view GIS data over the Internet. Accordingly, this interac-
tive Spatial Web mapping will be comprised of necessary cus-
tomized function tools such as zoom in, zoom out, query infor-
mation, etc. The spatial web portal system supports the areas
481
in which extracted from the satellite images processed by the
inundated extraction module.
Integrated data can give the overall and up-to-date picture of
the events as opposed to providing an isolated picture like in the
old days. Observation, analysis and planning will be achieved
more precisely and effectively depending on these sets of inte-
grated data.
A Geospatial web based system has been established for col-
lecting and distributing geo-information. It is prepared a safe-
guard mechanism for emergency communications. It serves as
pre–and post-communication methods that respond to the emer-
gency situation, including an emergency recovery plan. As a
result, it will improve decision-making process and better plan-
ning will enhance disaster preparedness scheme.
The purpose of exploiting Web based GIS system is to over-
come the problem with users’ technical skill. It is the goal to
upgrade from a non-interoperability operating system to an in-
tegrated sharing system [16]. Various geo-spatial data sources
is accessible through the web-based GIS system. Consequently,
it helps reduce investment cost and eliminate duplicate data col-
lection if data exists in a more efficient way.
7. Conclusion
The originality and cores of this research is to develop
creative tools to analyze and immediate extract information
through the web based system. The goal is to create an easy
use web interface and an image processing cost-saving which is
efficiency enough to identify the flooded areas at the beginning
stage. The proposed system can be widely utilized by technical
and non-technical users as well. The system concept can be ap-
plied to various disaster monitoring capacities. Its concept will
broaden research study area for future development of real time
disaster monitoring.
The system is moving towards automation detection and dis-
tribution information. It is expected to be a practical strategy.
This system was designed to provide a quick processing service
and capable of engaging experience across a broad range of
operation system platforms. The minimum cost of the object-
based image analysis software is approximately 6,000 US Dol-
lars (as of June 17, 2010) for non-commercial purpose. Con-
sidering that the detection limit of image size less than 6 MB
but speed up for 3 minute of processing time and cost saving
can be up to 60% the system is promising.
8. Discussion and Future Work
The study of flood monitoring and early warning systems, by
an integrated object extraction tool on web-based system, can
be useful for certain research projects such as the Sentinel Asia
Project. It will enhance efficiency of crisis management. Area
network expansions as well as the availability of compromised
data are vital. Further development will factor in the integra-
tion of the meteorological and hydrological information from
in-situ data and various satellite images that will contribute sig-
nificantly to a more precise flood analysis. It will make fore-
casting more effective, reliable and accurate.
However, there are factors to fulfill the gap in the disaster
management system. For example, hydrological data such as
the amount of water runoff and the water level in a river, which
cause flooding, will need to be considered. In addition the satel-
lite image acquisition and the supporting data, which are gen-
 482 SICE JCMSI, Vol. 3, No. 6, November 2010
erally collected by the local organization such as land use/land
cover, road, etc., should be automatically received and included
in the data for the evacuation and management plan. The fol-
lowings are issues that need to be further discussed.
• The Sensor Web Enablement (SWE): It is a working group
initiated by Open Geospatial Consortium, Inc. (OCG).
The study group will focus on how to implement the stan-
dard specifications to connect the earth observation de-
vices to web based [17]. The further development of the
attempts to request satellite images, through sensor obser-
vation system, by applying OGC observation and mea-
surement standard, will be monitored. The purpose is to
access to sensor data and serve the user, which has no im-
ages in hand.
• Hydrological Data: The water level and rainfall from the
field data will be collected in order to calculate the amount
of water being discharged to the river. The total amount
discharged then can be evaluated and integrated further to
confirm the retrieved information from in-situ and satellite
images.
• Areas Extraction Algorithms: The inundated areas ex-
traction algorithm has to be further investigated in the
high altitude areas to improve certain flooded boundary
to achieve better results. Satellite images from various
providers such as Aster images need to be tested.
• Active Communication and Publication: The actual plan
needs a strong collaboration and awareness among the au-
thorities and the local people in order to generate timely
warnings. The active communication site of the entire
system should be implemented by providing practical and
productive information and encouraging the users to uti-
lize the system.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude to
Professor Wanglin Yan, Associate Professor Tomohiro Ichinose
and all faculty members of Environmental Design and Govern-
ment (EG) at Keio University for their valuable suggestions.
The authors are heartily thankful to Dr. Lal Samarakoon for
his considerable guidance and the overview concept of this re-
search. The authors wish to express sincere appreciation to
Rose Limlahapun and Danny Noh for reviewing beyond gram-
matical structure as well as their comments and suggestions to
accomplish this paper.
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Ponthip LIMLAHAPUN
She obtained her B.S. degree from Thammasat Uni-
versity, Thailand in 1994. She received the Graduate
Research Teaching Assistant Award during her study in
Master of Arts of Geography at Wertern Michigan Uni-
versity in 2000-2001. In 2002-2007, she was with Geoin-
formatics Center, Asian Institute of Technology, Thai-
land as a researcher in the field of an Interactive GIS and
Database Management. At present, she is a Ph.D. student in the Environ-
mental Design and Governance program at Keio University, Japan.
Hiromichi FUKUI
He graduated from Nagoya University in 1980. He
received the Doctor of Science in Earth Sciences from
Nagoya University in 1987. He is a Professor of the Fac-
ulty of Policy Management of Keio University. His cur-
rent research interests include regional planning, ecolog-
ical development, global environment issues and educa-
tion for sustainable development from the view point of
spatial information sciences. He has served as a director of GIS Associa-
tion, on Board of Directors in International Society for Digital Earth, Cen-
ter for Environment Information Sciences, and as a guest professor of The
University of Tokyo, Chubu University and Chinese Academy of Sciences.