Integration of high-resolution topographic data with floodplain flow models

Two-dimensional hydraulic models of floodplain flow are at the forefront of current research into flood inundation mechanisms, but they are, however, currently constrained by inadequate parameterization of topography and fric tion, primarily due to insufficient or inaccurate data. This paper reviews the effects of topographic representation on flood inundation extent predic tion and presents initial results of a flood simulation using a new topogra phic parameterization surface produced from airborne LIDAR (laser induced d irection and ranging) data. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.