FloodCube Planning is a modelling tool for stormwater management that helps to prevent flood damage caused by heavy rainfall. “Our solution can reduce flood damage by up to 90 per cent. No other modelling tool can achieve our success rate,” says Jonas Aas Torland, co-founder and CCO of 7Analytics.

By 2050, cities worldwide will have an astonishing 2.5 billion new residents. This presents a huge problem for flood control. Urbanisation increases impermeable surfaces that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. Severe weather from climate change is exacerbating the problem.

“Urban flooding has the greatest economic impact on society of any natural disaster, and it will only get worse. Climate change has been tearing cities apart, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” explains Torland.

Predicts water runoff with unprecedented accuracy using AI

FloodCube Planning shows where surface water is flowing today and where it will flow in the future. The modelling tool is built on one of the world’s largest datasets: the earth’s topography. Advanced algorithms are combined with data on climate, infrastructure and land use to provide the world’s most accurate water runoff predictions.

“Our accuracy is so high because we get the best data to feed the model. We are also constantly updating the data and integrating terrain changes, such as new housing developments,” says Torland.

FloodCube combines machine learning and AI with automation. While other solutions require multiple software programs and some manual calculations, FloodCube performs all tasks in a total package that accelerates surface water analysis by 50 per cent.

“Our solution allows developers and urban planners to consider water runoff at the start of their projects, when it will have the greatest impact,” says Torland.

FloodCube mitigates catastrophic impacts

FloodCube Planning spares humans from potential injury, death and economic loss, while reducing damage to housing and infrastructure. “Flooding is the costliest type of natural disaster,” says Torland. With FloodCube, damage can be reduced by up to 90 per cent, saving millions of dollars in losses.

The modelling tool also helps to prevent direct and indirect harm to the environment, as it can be used to identify safe flood routes, avoid landslides and keep contaminated water from flowing into areas of high biodiversity value.

Moreover, FloodCube can minimise carbon emissions from future construction. “Fewer buildings will need to be rebuilt or repaired, which is very demanding on the climate,” explains Torland.

Market inherently global and growing

The market for FloodCube Planning spans the globe, anywhere there is a flood risk. Potential customers range from urban planners and building developers to engineers, architects and government specialists.

FloodCube Planning is widely used in Norway with proven results and has won several innovation awards.

In a breakthrough deal, 7Analytics has entered the US market, serving a global energy giant with the latest solution in its 7A Platform: FloodCube Realtime, which provides hourly modelling of flood risk within the next 12 to 72 hours.

The US partnership is a great steppingstone for global impact. “A solution like ours is needed in every country throughout the world – because heavy rainfall and urban flooding affect us all,” concludes Torland.

Source Business Norway