State-of-the-art methods of hydrological and meteorological data acquisition systems for flood forecasting

Effective flood forecasting uses hydrological and meteorological data both as input to computer models that produce extended forecasts and as input to systems that provide instantaneous readings for specific sites and for aerial distribution. Advances in technology have reformed a previously antiquated system by introducing newer and more efficient data acquisition, storage, retrieval, and quick transmission systems. The basic meteorological data for flood forecasting are precipitation, accumulated precipitation, rate of precipitation (and spatial distribution), wind speed and direction, surface and upper air observation of the type and amount of cloud present, weather systems, and cyclone or depression position identification. The hydrological data required to determine flow condition in the channels are based on stage flow data (collected at appropriate time intervals), reservoir level measurements, and channel flow characteristics. Data acquisition can be in situ or remotely sensed. In situ meteorological data are obtained from an observation network of fixed sites; remotely sensed data are required in areas where it is not possible to establish such a network. There is a wide range of equipment available for hydrological and precipitation measurement at different levels of sophistication and cost. Detailed analysis is required before selecting the appropriate equipment for a specific purpose and situation.