Jacobs introduces an innovative cloud platform for flood modeling
International engineering company Jacobs has announced the launch of the cloud-based system “Flood Platform,” designed for advanced flood modeling. This technology aims to radically transform approaches to planning and constructing flood protection structures, including ensuring the safety of critical infrastructure such as hydroelectric power plants.
The new platform, available by subscription as software, integrates data management, analysis, and collaboration tools into a single environment. It was developed to optimize and standardize workflows related to flood modeling and is closely integrated with the company’s existing “Flood Modeller” software. In fact, the system creates a “digital twin” of river basins, enabling specialists to accurately predict the development of events.
“At Jacobs, we are implementing digital technologies, data processing, and artificial intelligence in all our projects worldwide to solve complex client challenges,” said Executive Vice President Amer Batthihi. “The Flood Platform demonstrates how cloud technologies and automation can enhance infrastructure planning, helping clients make better-informed decisions, accelerate project implementation, and improve resilience to external threats.”
The system operates on Microsoft Azure, providing a secure and scalable environment for data uploading, access control, analysis, and collaboration. It supports integration not only with Jacobs products but also with other widely used tools in hydraulic modeling and flood risk assessment. This makes it a flexible solution for hydraulic engineers and environmental specialists.
The platform was initially developed by Jacobs more than 15 years ago for internal use and has already proven effective in major projects. Among them are the flood mapping program for Melbourne and the investment risk study in England, which helped justify projects worth more than 100 billion pounds sterling. This successful experience became the foundation for introducing the product to the global market.
Now, with its global launch, the Flood Platform aims to help organizations worldwide manage the growing volumes of flood-related data. In the context of hydropower, this means a new level of safety: the ability to accurately forecast extreme water inflows to hydropower dams, manage reservoirs in advance, and ultimately prevent catastrophic consequences for downstream communities.