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Innovative approach to flood management by West Lindsey District Council

Local government: Planning and delivery

Innovative approach to flood management by West Lindsey District Council
 Incorporating the Land-Form PROFILE data into our corporate GIS has allowed the Environmental team to decide where resources need to be concentrated in problem areas. This work has also been included in shared partnership working with the Emergency Planning Office at the county council. The informed decision-making this software and Ordnance Survey data allows is invaluable. Not only is this application being used internally to provide insight into the behaviour of the land within West Lindsey, it is also being used in conjunction with other technical solutions to provide optimum routes and sites for emergency vehiclesand sandbags.
Jeannette Anderson, Corporate Systems Officer, West Lindsey District Council

At a glance

West Lindsey District CouncilA prepared plan of action is vital for saving lives and protecting property and critical infrastructure in the event of flooding. Having accurate and reliable data is critical for the success of any plan.

Printable version: download PDFVisit the West Lindsey District Council website

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In order for emergency planning to be effective, the council needed to build up a clear picture of how surface water would behave at any given location.

West Lindsey District Council used a web-based geographical information system (GIS); StatMap Earthlight, in conjunction with Ordnance Survey's Land-Form PROFILE®; a digital terrain model. Ordnance Survey data was used to compile a traditional contour map with the addition of an algorithm to highlight the direction in which the landscape sloped. With this particular information, it was possible to understand how excess water would flow and spread.

Land-Form PROFILE with slope directions plus hill shading to give indication of steepness of slopesLand-Form PROFILE with background colours added for ease of viewLand-Form PROFILE with slope directions added

  • The council was able to produce strong evidence of flood-water issues.
  • Funding was granted for three separate schemes; all were completed.
  • West Lindsey was the only District
  • Council in Lincolnshire that was successful in winning government funding towards flood prevention work.
  • A fourth project received funding, with work beginning in mid-2011.
  • The modelling is allowing the council to expand both its flood prevention work and its cooperation with Lincolnshire County Council.

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