GFPLAIN250m: Global 250m Floodplain Dataset

The GFPLAIN250m includes raster data of Earth's floodplains identified using a geomorphic approach presented in Nardi et al. (2006, 2018). The 250m floodplain dataset is derived by processing the NASA SRTM Digital Elevation model gathered from http://srtm.csi.cgiar.org/ , and in particular the 250-m SRTM version 4.1 DTM. The coding used for each continent and additional information are detailed in the metadata included in the GFPLAIN250m data repository.

The elevation data are processed by a fast geospatial tool for floodplain mapping available for download at https://github.com/fnardi/GFPLAIN . The tool first preprocesses DEM to derive hydrologic features (filled DEM, flow direction, flow accumulation, stream network), then computes floodplain extents.

This dataset is applicable in regions where water-driven erosion and depositional processes govern the morphology of floodplain landscape features, and excludes deserts with low water availability and ice-covered regions with insignificant river flows. It is fit for river basins with a contributing area greater than 1000 km2. The GFPLAIN250m dataset can be used in combination with global datasets of human settlements to support large-scale studies of human-flood interactions, human pressure on rivers, and changes over time of floodplain and wetland habitats at risk.