Using a Spatio-Temporal GIS Database to Monitor the Spatial Evolution of Urban Flooding Phenomena. The Case of Athens Metropolitan Area in Greece

This work focuses on the spatial evolution of urban flooding phenomena in Athens metropolitan area, in Greece. The study examines the locations of flood-related damages and fatalities in Athens in 1880–2010, in comparison with the city’s evolution, to identify possible changes in their spatial distribution. GIS software was used to develop a spatio-temporal database storing information on the location and timing of these flood-related incidents. The database was then used to determine and quantify spatio-temporal changes of flooding in the city. Results showed a gradual migration of areas subject to flooding from the central to the western part of Athens and finally to the northwestern and southern suburbs. This migration was accompanied by a significant increase of incidents in the newly built parts of the city and a simultaneous decrease at the oldest parts, following closely the city’s spatial expansion over the study period. In addition, the study was able to identify and delineate particular parts of the city that experienced an increasing trend of flood incidents during the last decades and should be given priority in future flood risk mitigation actions.