Radar-based flood forecasting for river catchments

Weather radars provide high resolution in space and time and thus deliver distributed rainfall information. They therefore have high potential for exploitation in real-time flood forecasting. However, several aspects limit the accuracy of such data in flood forecasting systems. A major aspect is associated with the error included in the radar data and the limited lead time. To assess real-time flood forecasts and improve their reliable lead times with radar rainfall data, this paper presents a framework for a radar-based flood forecasting model integrating radar rainfall data, geographical information systems, the hydrological model HEC—HMS and a short-term precipitation nowcasting system. The benefit of the radar-based flood forecast is analysed and the limits of predictability due to the meteorological aspects of the rainfall forecast as well as the hydrological model are investigated. The incorporation of the radar-based rainfall forecast demonstrates good potential for successful hydrological modelling and prediction

Estimating environmental impact in the early stages of the product innovation process

During the early stages of a company's innovation process (e.g. orientation and generation of ideas), sustainability concerns are only taken into account in the form of strategic guidelines. In contrast, many different methods, tools for design and impact assessment support the decision makers at the end of the innovation process (e.g. in the phases of realization and product development). An approach for environmental impact estimation of product ideas based on the guiding barrier concept by Fichter and Paech (2003) is presented. The approach uses the stage gate methodology by Cooper (2001) and action strategies for the reduction of environmental impacts of a product by Brezet/van Hemel (1997, 139). These action strategies are attributed to the different phases of the stage gate process and are supported by practical questions. The approach thereby makes use of the widespread assumption that there is a high degree of influence on product properties and corresponding environmental impacts at the early phases of the innovation process. The estimation of the environmental impact in the early phases of the innovation process is based on information on substances, materials and processes. This information can be obtained in part from the internet as an external information source. Search strategies are described how such information retrieval can be facilitated. It is based on using search engines and publicly available internet databases on environmental impacts of substances, materials and processes