Terrain Intelligence for Flood Management

40,000+ sq. km of high-precision terrain data processed to strengthen flood forecasting across Scotland and Wales. As extreme weather events and flash flooding intensified across the UK, government agencies required a modern elevation dataset capable of supporting accurate flood modelling and mitigation planning. Existing terrain data lacked the precision, consistency, and geographic coverage needed to power reliable hydrodynamic simulations across vulnerable regions. 40,000+ sq. km of terrain modelled for flood-risk analysis. 38 regions across Scotland and Wales processed since 2018. High-resolution DSM and DTM datasets delivered for national-scale forecasting.

"High-precision elevation modelling improved national flood forecasting, strengthened climate resilience and enabled scalable terrain intelligence across Scotland and Wales. "

Industry: Government
Service: Generative AI, Product Engineering

Terrain Intelligence for Flood Management

40,000+ sq. km: High-accuracy terrain data processed
38: Regions mapped across Scotland and Wales
2m / 5m: DSM and DTM elevation models delivered

Challenge

The project required the creation of a unified elevation framework across geographically complex landscapes ranging from valleys and coastlines to mountainous terrain. Existing datasets were outdated and inconsistent, limiting the government’s ability to forecast flood behaviour accurately. The urgency of recurring climate events demanded a scalable production model capable of processing massive terrain datasets within strict seasonal timelines.

Approach

SBL Infotech established a large-scale elevation modelling workflow focused on generating high-resolution Digital Surface Models (DSM) and Digital Terrain Models (DTM) from regional survey and point-cloud datasets. Dedicated geospatial teams managed terrain rectification, vertical validation, and seamless edge matching across 38 separate regions to ensure engineering-grade continuity throughout the entire 40,000 sq. km coverage area.

Outcome

The client gained a modern topographic intelligence platform capable of supporting flood forecasting, infrastructure planning, and disaster mitigation strategies at national scale. High-resolution elevation models now provide the foundation for more accurate flood simulations, enabling authorities to design better defence systems, improve response planning, and strengthen long-term climate resilience across Scotland and Wales.

IX Case studies

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