Integrating Aerial and 3D Data into a Data-Driven Decision-Making Workflow for Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions

Abstract

Urbanization and climate change have increased the need for stormwater management and nature-based solutions. Decisions made at the project level impact the emergence of the systemic traits of the stormwater network and the functionality of the catchment areas in urban planning. To that end, it is vital to introduce the decision-making tools for analysing both the utilities and amenities of nature-based solutions (NBS) to increase their adoption to reduce the peak loads in the stormwater system and, to that end, mitigate the impacts of climate change. There is a deficiency in employing a software-based approach to analyse the qualitative and quantitative aspects of NBSs to back up design decisions. This paper demonstrates a workflow using drone-based photogrammetry, 3D modelling, and simulation software to generate visual and functional models assisting in informed decision-making in the design of stormwater systems as functional landscape architecture. Using aerial data from drones and modelled design solutions, the proposed workflow simulates rain events, infiltration, evaporation, water flow, and the accumulation of stormwater in a way that allows the visual and quantified analysis of detailed landscape architecture designs. The paper provides an example of a rooftop site simulation demonstrating the infiltration and flow of water to the drainage. The visual decision-making method provided can aid in investment decisions for functional landscape design in support of stormwater management.