With recognised expertise in the field of flood forecast modelling, we were presented with the opportunity to strengthen existing software in order to remove the need for manual editing, increase the consistency of working practices and offer increased reliability in flood forecast modelling.

By working with the Environment Agency (EA) to identify where improvements could be made to existing flood forecasting software, we embarked upon the design and implementation of a new database. This involved working closely with our Flood Science and Forecasting teams, as well as with the software and development team at Deltares, who were originally responsible for building the software and manage its ongoing maintenance.

Alongside the database development, we also developed three new web applications to assist EA staff with data management. Through the creation of these applications we were able to centralise where data was stored and how it was used, introduce user testing facilities and automate the deployment of updates.

Innovation was a key driver behind the development of the improved Incident Management Forecasting System and as a result we incorporated several new features. This included allowing users to make and test edits in isolation, through the use of a bespoke codebase to allow branching of model configuration, visualisation of location data on an interactive map and visualisation of basin and sub-basin networks, highlighting how input data and model inputs/outputs are connected.