Using a 3D city model for monitoring flash flood risks in Salalah (Oman)

Abstract

The paper investigates the issues and challenges to use a 3D city model for monitoring flash flood risks in Salalah (Oman) by using the Geography Markup Language (CityGML) standards version 2.0. In fact, 2D and 2.5D GIS solutions cannot analyse flood complex problems inside the urban area. Hence, the study seeks to reduce time and effort for the decision-makers by proposing a 3D city model for flood risk management. The study has used geospatial tools and databases such as ArcGIS, Watershed Modeling System (WMS), FME, PostgreSQL-PostGIS, and 3D City Database (3DCityDB) to generate the 3D model and to test the capability of establishing unified geospatial data structure including 3D city objects, hydrology data, and geological data. The findings show the importance of addressing flood risks data and arranging it in the 3D geodatabase. The findings also show that establishing a 3D city model based on CityGML standard requires homogenized definitions and standards for city objects (surface and subsurface) and hydrology data. Besides, it needs to address the issues and challenges in the level of the data structure. Based on the results, the researchers will further study the solutions to integrate the 3D city model and natural hazards management applications in Oman.