Flood Modelling Data Service

The aim of this Project is to investigate the commercial viability of an innovative, and highly
scalable approach to flood risk modelling and dissemination of derived flood risk data
products to consumers and businesses in the UK.
In response to the £3bn insured losses arising from the 2007 UK flooding, and recent events
globally (e.g. Bangkok; Dublin; Brisbane), there is a need for improved access to, and
visualisation of address-level flood risk predictions and related data products to raise public
awareness, comply with legislation and reduce insured flood losses.
Further to the successful completion of a TSB Digital Services project in August 2011, one
output from which was a basic prototype model, there is a need to carry out detailed market
research, market testing, and competitor analysis using the prototype model as a demonstrator.
This demonstrator will enable improved communication of the concept to potential users as
part of the market testing.
In terms of objectives, the Project will be focussed to research, identify, quantify and qualify
primary market segments which offer the greatest value and revenue generating potential. In
addition, specific requirements from each market sector need to be explored as do issues and
potential barriers to adoption associated with risk perception, data security, systems
integration and flood data licensing restrictions. Each of these aspects will be researched as
part of this Project so as to inform future development activities leading up to market launch.
The basic prototype utilises existing public (e.g. Environment Agency) and proprietary
(Ambiental-owned) data sources coupled with novel Cloud-based numerical modelling
algorithms and highly efficient database structures. Key drivers of this application are: to save
time/cost associated with flood risk analysis, improve societal awareness of flooding, reduce
environmental risks and improve data accuracy and accessibility by users with diverse
information needs.