A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation

Abstract In the context of increasing frequency and impact of flood events, traditional methods for estimating flood depth have become insufficient to meet current demands, leading to a gradual shift toward machine learning approaches. This article reviews, for the first time, the applications of ma...

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Main Authors: Bo Liu, Yingbing Li, Minyuan Ma, Bojun Mao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2025-06-01
Series:International Journal of Disaster Risk Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-025-00639-0
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author Bo Liu
Yingbing Li
Minyuan Ma
Bojun Mao
author_facet Bo Liu
Yingbing Li
Minyuan Ma
Bojun Mao
author_sort Bo Liu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract In the context of increasing frequency and impact of flood events, traditional methods for estimating flood depth have become insufficient to meet current demands, leading to a gradual shift toward machine learning approaches. This article reviews, for the first time, the applications of machine learning models—including both single and hybrid models—in flood depth estimation, referencing 108 relevant studies. Through statistical analysis, this research explored the most commonly used machine learning models and their primary data sources. Building on this foundation, we also examined the potential for integrating machine learning methods with smart city frameworks and artificial intelligence large models for flood depth calculations. The findings indicate that machine learning models excel in handling large-scale complex data and nonlinear relationships, and their performance can be further optimized through combinations with various models, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of flood depth estimation. However, these models also face challenges such as data dependency, model interpretability, and transferability. This review reveals the potential of applying machine learning models in flood depth estimation, providing directions for future research and reliable support for disaster prevention and reduction efforts.
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institution Kabale University
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publishDate 2025-06-01
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series International Journal of Disaster Risk Science
spelling doaj-art-e91b964acd554d61b1454613376b252e2025-08-20T04:01:24ZengSpringerOpenInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science2095-00552192-63952025-06-0116343344510.1007/s13753-025-00639-0A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth EstimationBo Liu0Yingbing Li1Minyuan Ma2Bojun Mao3School of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan UniversitySchool of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan UniversitySchool of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan UniversitySchool of Geodesy and Geomatics, Wuhan UniversityAbstract In the context of increasing frequency and impact of flood events, traditional methods for estimating flood depth have become insufficient to meet current demands, leading to a gradual shift toward machine learning approaches. This article reviews, for the first time, the applications of machine learning models—including both single and hybrid models—in flood depth estimation, referencing 108 relevant studies. Through statistical analysis, this research explored the most commonly used machine learning models and their primary data sources. Building on this foundation, we also examined the potential for integrating machine learning methods with smart city frameworks and artificial intelligence large models for flood depth calculations. The findings indicate that machine learning models excel in handling large-scale complex data and nonlinear relationships, and their performance can be further optimized through combinations with various models, significantly enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of flood depth estimation. However, these models also face challenges such as data dependency, model interpretability, and transferability. This review reveals the potential of applying machine learning models in flood depth estimation, providing directions for future research and reliable support for disaster prevention and reduction efforts.https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-025-00639-0Deep learningFlood depthInundation heightLiterature statisticsMachine learning
spellingShingle Bo Liu
Yingbing Li
Minyuan Ma
Bojun Mao
A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
International Journal of Disaster Risk Science
Deep learning
Flood depth
Inundation height
Literature statistics
Machine learning
title A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
title_full A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
title_fullStr A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
title_full_unstemmed A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
title_short A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Flood Depth Estimation
title_sort comprehensive review of machine learning approaches for flood depth estimation
topic Deep learning
Flood depth
Inundation height
Literature statistics
Machine learning
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s13753-025-00639-0
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