Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding throughout Sweden. At Metria, we work to provide authorities, property owners and municipalities with the tools they need to manage these risks.
Our threat maps provide a clear picture of how different flood scenarios, such as 100- and 200-year floods, could affect specific areas. They show the extent, depth and velocity of water during a flood, allowing for better planning.
To visualize flooding during heavy downpours, we have blue spot analyses that identify risk areas with a high risk of water accumulation.
With these tools, damage can be reduced through better preparation. What is the state of flood preparedness in your area?
Threat maps for better flood preparedness
Metria has delivered flood analyses that are used in the Flood Portal provided by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). These so-called threat maps show areas near water that are at risk of flooding in the event of rising water levels, with information on the extent, depth and water speed in the event of a flood. The threat maps cover three different flood scenarios: the 100- and 200-year floods and the projected maximum flood, also known as the 10 000-year flood.
This information shows how a potential flood would affect specific areas and is used for community planning and climate adaptation action plans.
Blue spots: identifying areas at risk of flooding
Metria has also developed so-called "blue spots" through an analysis that identifies low-lying areas with an increased risk of water accumulation during heavy rainfall. These areas can quickly flood during intense rainfall, causing damage to both buildings and infrastructure. We are currently updating our bluespot analysis, which will allow us to offer more detailed cloudburst risk analysis in the near future.
Bluespot mapping of Mantorp in Östergötland. Dark blue areas are Bluespots, light blue are rivers and lakes. During spring and summer, the area has been affected by flooding due to torrential rain.
Metria Climate Index Property: An overview of climate risks
Metria also offers the Metria Climate Index Property service - a national database that provides an overview of identified climate risks, including different types of flood risks. The database contains information on, among other things:
The service makes it possible to quickly assess the risks of individual properties and also compare the risks of larger property portfolios. Property owners and municipalities can thus predict which buildings are most at risk and develop action plans to protect them from future floods.
Innovative use of satellite data for flood analysis
Metria is also exploring innovative methods to improve flood mapping. By using radar data from satellites, we can quickly map flooded land and create a snapshot of the affected area. Satellite imagery can also be used to determine how long an area has been under water, which can be crucial for assessing damage and planning response measures.
This technology is currently being further developed as part of a natural disaster analysis tool funded by the Swedish National Space Agency. We see great potential in using satellite data to further strengthen Swedish flood preparedness.
More information about our services and how they can be used to minimize flood damage can be found here:
Analysis and advice - Turning data into knowledge (metria.se)
Climate-related risks - Metria Climate Index Property
Metria climate analysis for real estate and housing in Sweden