Gaia Vision releases beta version of its flood forecasting solution “Water Vision”

Gaia Vision, a developer of climate change risk analysis platforms and flood forecasting technology, has released a beta version of its real-time flood forecasting solution, Water Vision. Trial users are invited to participate in training to prepare for floods and to verify the possibility of using the system.

Overview of Water Vision: Solution for real-time forecasting of flood extent and depth for up to 1.5 days ahead.

Background: Need for detailed forecast information

The need for flood damage control/climate change adaptation is increasing due to the intensification of disasters caused by climate change. Local governments are required to improve their preparedness during normal times (evacuation drills/education activities and evacuation plan reviews) and their response in times of emergency (evacuation order decisions and evacuation guidance). In addition, advance disaster forecasting is important for insurance companies to reduce premium payments and speed up their response to a disaster, and for various other industries (construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, etc.) to ensure the safety of employees and business continuity.

Currently, the Japan Meteorological Agency already provides services such as issuing heavy rain and flood warnings and flood kikkles. However, there has been a need for more detailed information, such as longer lead time and the provision of forecast information on flood extent and depth, as well as the danger level of each river, in order for local governments to provide appropriate evacuation guidance.

In fact, the Flood Prevention Law and the Meteorological Service Law previously prohibited private operators from providing flood forecasting services. However, the law was revised in 2023 to establish a licensing system for private operators, and private operators are expected to meet these needs.

Reference: https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/mizukokudo02_hh_000032.html (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism press release)

Solution: Web application implementation of a high-resolution simulation based on “Today’s Earth

To meet these needs, Gaia Vision has developed a web application that utilizes the global river inundation model “CaMa-Flood” developed by the University of Tokyo and includes high-resolution forecasts of flood extent/depth and an alert function. This solution was developed in collaboration with the “Today’s Earth” simulation developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) and the University of Tokyo, and is being implemented at Gaia Vision in the form of higher resolution for social implementation and function implementation in the web application. Gaia Vision is currently working on the implementation.

Strengths and features: high-resolution forecasts of flood extent/deepening, nationwide coverage, etc.

1. Predicts not only river levels, but also flood extents and depths
2. High-resolution forecasts up to 1.5 days ahead (approx. 90 m mesh)
3. Alerts can be set for any area and threshold (e-mail notification function)
4. Available anywhere in Japan without individual model construction
5. Prediction results of past floods can be viewed

How to use the beta version of Water Vision and recruit trial users

At this time (9/30/2024), Gaia Vision is in the process of applying for a flood forecasting license, etc. Therefore, it can be used for the purpose of preparing for normal times and verifying the possibility of using the results of past and virtual forecast simulations, rather than for production operations when flood damage is actually imminent. The system can be used for the following purposes

Preparedness for Peacetime

– Utilization of the results of past flood forecasting and simulation of possible future floods for response training/education activities, evacuation planning, etc.

Verification of accuracy and feasibility for use in times of urgency

The use of the system for evacuation guidance in case of imminent danger will become possible after obtaining a forecasting business license.

With the release of the beta version of Water Vision, we are recruiting trial users. We are currently conducting/planning to conduct preliminary disaster prevention simulations and accuracy verification with local governments/private companies. We will continue to work with a wider range of users and make updates to the official version for release.

Access to Water Vision free demo version

To get an idea of what Water Vision can do, you can access a free demo version. In the free version, you will only be able to view data for the time prior to the current time. The paid version allows you to view the latest forecast data, set alerts, and more.

The free version can be easily used by registering your e-mail address and other information from “Create an account” at the following URL.

https://water-vision.gaia-vision.co.jp

If you have any questions or matters you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact us using the inquiry form.

Inquiry form: https://www.gaia-vision.co.jp/contact/

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This product was developed using “Today’s Earth” by JAXA/University of Tokyo. Each of the comports in this product was developed with the support of the Unexplored Advanced Project of the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA), and with a grant from the PwC Foundation. We would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude for your support.

<Company Profile

Representative Director : Yuki Kita
Location : Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Establishment : September 2021

HP : https://www.gaia-vision.co.jp/en/

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