Developing a spatial analysis framework to guide interoperable urban flood management

Integrated approaches are needed to make cities resilient to flooding, while aligning with the complex functioning of cities. Central to this integrated thinking is the importance of interfaces and connections, i.e. interoperability, between existing (and new) infrastructure systems to store and transfer stormwater. Yet, it remains challenging to identify how and where connecting different technical solutions and existing infrastructure systems will contribute to flood resilience. There are a lack of approaches to systematically assess flood adaptation options from an interoperable perspective. Nevertheless, the increasing amount of spatial data on urban areas (often publically available) presents an unprecedented opportunity to consider urban areas holistically. The research question addressed in this study is how spatial data can be combined to inform decision-making in flood management at the systems-level. A spatial analysis framework is presented that aims to synthesize four aspects essential to system-oriented urban flood management: (i) flood hazard; (ii) intervention efficiency; (iii) opportunities for interoperability; and (iv) barriers to system-integration. By considering these aspects together, further development of the framework into an accessible mapping tool will facilitate engagement among researchers and flood management practitioners in integrating multiple infrastructure systems to increase urban flood resilience.