GIS AND GEOVISUALIZATION METHODS FOR ASSESSING IMPACTS OF THE FLOOD OF 2011 IN BINGHAMTON, NY

The Flood of 2011 was one of the most significant floods to affect the City of Binghamton, causing extensive property damage and disrupting businesses. The flood was related to Tropical Storm Lee which dumped significant rainfall over a two day period putting properties at risk within the flood zone around the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers. This study uses GIS and remote sensing techniques to assess the land use land cover within the flood zone as well as buildings at risk. Results indicate the City of Binghamton’s flood zone is 21% urbanized impervious surface – a known factor for flood risk. 3D visualization is also used to recreate the extent of the Flood of 2011 using its high water mark to determine buildings at risk flooded by this event. These hindcasting graphics and animations are of use for future land planning and flood risk mitigation efforts in Binghamton and Broome County.