Options for Urban Flooding Visualization
This presentation will introduce a cost-effective approach to visualizing urban flooding using ArcGIS Pro and Google Earth Pro, leveraging existing geospatial software and PCSWMM hydrologic modeling tools to create dynamic 3D renderings of flood scenarios. Traditionally, flood analyses rely on complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software that produces flat, 2D representations, which, while informative, can be abstract and difficult for a wide audience to interpret. This visualization methodology transforms these results into easily digestible 3D visuals, enabling engineers, stakeholders, and communities to interact with flood data in a more intuitive and impactful way. By utilizing commonly available software, this approach not only saves on costly, specialized 3D rendering tools but also creates versatile, interactive visualizations that can be used for everything from high-level presentations to detailed stakeholder discussions. Whether as static images or animated walkthroughs, these 3D models enhance communication, making flood data more accessible to a broader audience—from policymakers to residents—ultimately improving decision-making and fostering a deeper understanding of flood risks.
Author Bio
Ms. Stacy was born and raised in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she attended the University of Virginia as a bachelor's student in the environmental sciences program (Go Hoos!). She then attended Virginia Tech's Occoquan Watershed Monitoring Laboratory campus in Manassas, Virginia, where she received her master's degree in environmental engineering. Since graduating, Melissa has worked as a water resources engineer at GKY, as a member of their stormwater modeling team.
