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Runoff management in cities through GeoAI

21 Aug, 2024
gestión de escorrentías

Accelerated urbanization is a global phenomenon. According to the latest United Nations Economic and Social Report, by 2050 more than 6 billion people will be living in urban areas. This exponential growth poses significant challenges. Efficient water management is one of the most critical, due to the current context of water stress.

Permeable soil is becoming increasingly scarce in urban areas. Controlling surface runoff, which is the flow of water that does not infiltrate into the ground after rainfall, flowing over the land surface in search of rivers, lakes or other bodies of water, is one of the main challenges that this urbanization process will have to face.

Agforest experts analyze how geospatial artificial intelligence (GeoAI) is emerging as a revolutionary solution to manage this phenomenon. Innovation for traditional problems – aggravated by frenetic progress – is possible thanks to data available more than 1,000 kilometers from Earth.

What is runoff?

Runoff is a natural process. It originates when water from precipitation, snowmelt or any other type of phenomenon flows over the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has numerous benefits, such as the recharge of aquifers or the transport of nutrients for vegetation. However, it has negative consequences aggravated by rapid urbanization: soil erosion, polluting discharges or flooding of urban areas.

There are two types of runoff. The classification derives from the process to which the water is subjected, influenced by the absorption capacity of the soil or its condition:

  • Surface runoff: the most common in urban areas. They occur when the saturation of the soil or its impermeable nature causes water to flow over the surface towards the mouths of rivers, lakes, swamps, etc.
  • Subsurface runoff: in this case, water is absorbed by the soil, although it moves laterally before reaching groundwater bodies.

A review of the evolution of water management in cities

Metropolis and small cities have focused for years on the construction of infrastructure such as sanitation networks, sewers and dams to control water flow. The emergence of extreme climatic phenomena such as heavy rainfall has made it a partial solution incapable of responding to the reality of cities. While rainfall is irregular in volume and frequency, cities have reduced the percentage of available soil, exacerbating the problems associated with surface runoff.

Governments and water management companies have opted for mixed strategies that take into account the evolution of runoff, without forgetting the importance of infrastructures. GeoAI has the ability to provide accurate information on areas in which to implement nature-based solutions (NBS) to reduce the risks of flooding, spills, and even improve water quality.

Four benefits of GeoAI in the implementation of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)

Innovation in the management of risks associated with surface runoff finds its inspiration in nature. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) seek to mimic the natural behavior of water and its relationship with permeable soil. A way to reduce environmental impact, promote infiltration, storage and reuse of rainwater.

After a thorough analysis of urban needs, Agforest experts highlight four GeoAI keys to ensure effective SUDS implementation:

  • Flood scenario mapping and forecasting

GeoAI allows modeling how runoff will move under different rainfall and urbanization scenarios. Geospatial data, such as topography and land use, help predict areas at risk of flooding, allowing effective drainage to be designed.

  • Optimization of SUDS location

With GeoAI, cities can identify the best locations to implement SUDS. This technology allows the evaluation of different variables, such as terrain slope, soil permeability and existing infrastructure, to ensure implementation in suitable locations.

  • Real-time monitoring

GeoAI makes it possible to monitor runoff behavior and SUDS performance in real time. This means that cities can respond quickly to flooding or drainage system failures, minimizing damage and optimizing maintenance.

  • Reduction of water pollution

Anticipate spills or analyze air quality through geospatial data. Predictive dispersion models and pollutant source identification will be essential to protect public health.

In short, GeoAI offers greater precision in the prediction and management of runoff, promoting the construction of sustainable smart cities. As opposed to partial and temporary solutions, technology can help in decision making for the implementation of a long-term strategy to reduce the vulnerability of citizens to the effects of climate change.

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