ESA - Observing the Earth - Benefiting Our Economy - Satellite survey of Elbe flood helps Swiss Re insure for disaster

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Satellite survey of Elbe flood helps Swiss Re insure for disaster

26 October 2005

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This simulated overflight of the August 2002 Elbe flood area utilises SPOT-4 and Landsat-7 data together with Envisat ASAR imagery to show a detailed picture of the maximum flood extent for the use of re-insurers Swiss Re.

Credits: SERTIT/VISTA

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The extent of the August 2002 Elbe flood in Dresden mapped via SPOT

Credits: SERTIT/VISTA

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Flood extent overlaid on a detailed map of Dresden streets

Credits: SERTIT/VISTA

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Mapping of flood extent over Dresden on August 19 2002. Envisat ASAR data overlain with SPOT-2 image map in pseudo natural colour.

Credits: SERTIT

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Observation of the flooding of agricultural areas by the Elbe in 2002. The damage to the farmers depends on the crop type and the duration of the flooding. For the whole Elbe event (500 km)the maximum flood extent was derived from analyses of seven satellite images (both optical and SAR radar) and synthesised in a data set used for risk assessment by Swiss Re.

Credits: VISTA

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ASAR image acquired in August 2002, showing the flood extent of the River Elbe, including Dresden.
Envisat alternating polarisation (HH, HV, diff HH-HV).

Credits: SERTIT

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In depth

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