Interactive GIS Based Flood Risk Assessment for Illinois: Enhancing Preparedness, Planning, and Public Awareness
Paul Osazuwa
*
Office of Water Resources, Air Pollution Control, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
Ugochukwu Udonna Okonkwo
Department of Geography and GIS, Department of Computer Management and Information Systems, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA.
Okpowe Omena
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, USA.
James Mensah
Department of Environmental Studies, University of Illinois Springfield, USA.
Olaoluwa Omidiji
Environmental Health and Safety, Amazon.com, Inc, USA.
Ezekiel Tosin Babatunde
Department of Environmental Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA.
Philip Ugbede Ojo Onuche
Department of Chemistry, Department of Business Administration and management, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, USA and Quality Control Unit, Dangote Cement PLC, Nigeria.
Abdullahi Adams Opeyemi
Department of Polymer and Material Science, Coppin State University, USA.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Flooding is the most common and damaging natural disaster in Illinois, largely due to climate change and human activities. This study explores the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in flood risk management across the state, focusing on the mapping of high-risk areas along major river corridors such as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. By utilizing survey data drawn from federal and state agencies participating in the Illinois Silver Jackets program, the research develops an interactive GIS-based flood map that visualizes vulnerable communities and supports dynamic spatial analysis. The GIS application/tool serves several functions: identifying flood-prone zones, enhancing emergency preparedness, informing land use and infrastructure planning, and improving public risk communication. The GIS tool uses real-time, user-friendly interface enables both technical and non-technical stakeholders to easily engage with flood data, fostering community resilience and informed decision-making. The findings highlight the value of collaborative, data-driven approaches in advancing proactive flood mitigation strategies throughout Illinois.
Keywords: Flood risk, GIS, Illinois, emergency planning, land use, public awareness, interactive map, silver jackets program, flood mitigation, spatial analysis