11:30 - 11-June-2008
A new map showing the areas of Hull most at risk of flooding has been charted by the Environment Agency.
Using a laser scanner housed in a light aircraft, the map plots the topography of the city to within six inches of accuracy.
Colour coding on the resulting 3D images highlight the areas most at risk in green.
The map is part of major project by the Environment Agency to map all of England and Wales using the technology.
So far 56 per cent of the country has been surveyed with the focus now on urban areas most at risk of surface water flooding during heavy storms.
The aim is to create a huge database to which local authorities and water companies can then add their own information about drains, sewers and water courses.
Phil Rothwell, the EA’s head of flood risk, said: “If we don’t get the management of our cities’ drainage structure right, this will be a continuing problem, even an increasing one.”