Drainage Network Generation for Urban Pluvial Flooding (UPF) Using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and GIS Data

Muhammad Nasar Ahmad (), Hariklia D. Skilodimou, Fakhrul Islam, Akib Javed and George D. Bathrellos ()
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Muhammad Nasar Ahmad: School of Information and Artificial Intelligence, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
Hariklia D. Skilodimou: Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Fakhrul Islam: State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi 830011, China
Akib Javed: State Key Laboratory of Information Engineering in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, China
George D. Bathrellos: Department of Geology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-16

Abstract: Mapping urban pluvial flooding (UPF) in data-scarce regions poses significant challenges, particularly when drainage systems are inadequate or outdated. These limitations hinder effective flood mitigation and risk assessment. This study proposes an innovative approach to address these challenges by integrating deep learning (DL) models with traditional methods. First, deep convolutional generative adversarial networks (DCGANs) were employed to enhance drainage network data generation. Second, deep recurrent neural networks (DRNNs) and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods were implemented to assess UPF. The study compared the performance of these approaches, highlighting the potential of DL models in providing more accurate and robust flood mapping outcomes. The methodology was applied to Lahore, Pakistan—a rapidly urbanizing and data-scarce region frequently impacted by UPF during monsoons. High-resolution ALOS PALSAR DEM data were utilized to extract natural drainage networks, while synthetic datasets generated by GANs addressed the lack of historical flood data. Results demonstrated the superiority of DL-based approaches over traditional MCDA methods, showcasing their potential for broader applicability in similar regions worldwide. This research emphasizes the role of DL models in advancing urban flood mapping, providing valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers to mitigate flooding risks and improve resilience in vulnerable regions.

Keywords: deep learning; DRNN; GANS; MCDA; remote sensing; urban pluvial flooding (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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