Local Scale Current and Projected Future Total Flood Hazard Mapping for Canada—Literature Review

Abstract

This review, based on 231 articles, focuses on studies relevant to Canada that assess fluvial, pluvial, and coastal flood hazards at national and broader scales. It evaluates the application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence methods for flood mapping within the Canadian context. The review highlights a growing trend in large-scale flood modeling, with increasing relevance for Canadian flood risk management. Methods for downscaling coarse-resolution flood estimates from physically based models to finer spatial scales are particularly important for Canada's diverse hydrological regions. Global estimates of flood defense standards often rely on socio-economic indicators, but for Canada, physical hazard factors should also be integrated. Advances in LiDAR and radar remote sensing have improved the accuracy of Canadian flood models by providing detailed topographic data. Artificial intelligence techniques show strong potential for predicting flood inundation and enhancing flood hazard mapping across Canadian landscapes.