THALESruhr: An Intelligent Monitoring System for Urban Flooding in the Ruhr Metropolis

The THALESruhr project aims to transfer scientific information in the field of sustainability into practice and to transform the Ruhr metropolitan region in Germany into a sustainable and green industrial region. This subproject of THALESruhr tries to promote resilience to climate-related extreme weather events, in particular urban flooding. The intensity and frequency of heavy rain and flash flood events have increased significantly in recent times, and this trend is expected to continue to intensify as climate change progresses (IPCC, 2023). This has highlighted the need to take action to strengthen resilience against such events.

The approach presented here combines concepts of artificial intelligence and innovative sensor technology with the objective of developing an intelligent monitoring system for traffic areas at risk of flooding in Bochum, Germany. The primary component of the system is the development of a sensor network that employs autonomous radar sensors at strategically significant locations, including bridges, tunnels, and topographical low points, to measure water levels in traffic areas in real time. The data obtained is not only employed for immediate monitoring purposes but is also utilised for the validation of heavy rain hazard maps. Based on this data, in conjunction with additional weather forecast data and historical precipitation data, an early warning system is to be established in the long term. This system will utilise artificial intelligence approaches to inform the population of impending urban flooding resulting from heavy rainfall events at an early stage. The incorporation of real-time data into urban monitoring and warning systems enables early flood alerts, allowing the population to minimize risks. Emergency services can be promptly notified of flooded streets, saving time for rescue operations. This also helps bypass dangerous areas more quickly or approach them in a targeted way. Another goal is to adapt urban planning and development to account for extreme events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding.

The project's measures are therefore not only aimed at optimising the monitoring and prevention of flooding in the short term, but also at promoting sustainable and resilient urban development in the Ruhr metropolis in the long term.

IPCC (2023). Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Core Writing Team, H. Lee and J. Romero (eds.)]. Geneva, Switzerland: IPCC, pp. 35-115, doi: 10.59327/IPCC/AR6-9789291691647.