Two case studies and gaps analysis of flood assessment for emergency management with small unmanned aerial systems

Abstract

This paper documents the successful use of small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) for two floods in Fort Bend County, Texas, and identifies gaps in informatics, manpower, human-robot interaction, and cost-benefit analysis. The case studies focus on how emergency managers can use SUAS for flood assessment including flood mapping and projection of impact, verification of flood inundation models, providing justification for publicly accountable decisions, and public information. The case studies are particularly informative because they were flown at the direction of County experts during two actual flood events and represent 21 flights over four days.