Flood Risk Modelling for Ireland

The OPW has taken delivery of a highly reliable countrywide digital terrain model with all cultural features digitally removed, along with an orthorectified radar image that accentuates topographic features - all with a vertical accuracy (RMSE) of 70 centimetres or better. The use of accurate geospatial data will facilitate the OPW in meeting the requirements of the directive mandated by the European Union. Complete details of contract terms and value have not been disclosed.

According to the EU Floods Directive, "This new European directive is an important addition to the European Union's water legislation and has been carefully crafted for compatibility with the Water Framework Directive (WFD). It applies to all types of floods whether they originate from rivers and lakes, or occur in urban and coastal areas, or arise as a result of storm surges and tsunamis. Implementation in the Member States will be done in three stages, beginning with a preliminary assessment of river basin's flood risk and their associated coastal zones to be carried out by 2011."

"Our nationwide coverage throughout Europe is continuing to provide value to numerous enterprise customers and government agencies, including the OPW in Ireland," stated Adam Denman, Intermap's vice president and general manager, Europe. "As these types of directives are put in place by governing bodies, more countries are looking for a cost-effective source of consistently reliable data to support the needs of crucial geospatial projects across their entire geography. The fact that Intermap has recently completed countrywide elevation models across 21 Western European countries bodes well for satisfying these needs."