Operational Flood Forecasting on the Basis of Complex Proactive Modeling and Integration of Heterogeneous Data

The article describes the basics of creating operational river flood forecasting systems, based on the integrated use of modern information technologies and integrated proactive modeling. Their practical implementation is also shown.  The distinctive features of the proposed interdisciplinary approach are: a) the widespread use of heterogeneous data from a network of gauging stations and Earth remote sensing satellites; b) implementation of forecasting systems based on service-oriented architecture; c) creation of an intelligent interface for selecting the type and parameter setting of hydrological models; d) ensuring convenient and accessible presentation of the forecast results using web-services. Practical testing of the developed software prototype has confirmed the possibility of automatic high-precision operational (from several hours to several days) forecasting of floodingzones and depths of river valleys.