Analysis and evolution of the Spanish Flood Hazard Maps, from a national to a european legal framework

Abstract

Over the last years, flood hazard maps became a crucial element of flood risk management policies. Although this tool was boosted at European level by the Directive 2007/60/EC, in several countries such as Spain, where floods have had an historical relevance on societies, its implementation has been previously developed. Thus, the present study describes the main characteristics of both cartography, the primitive Basic Guideline and the current SNCZI [National System for Cartography of Flood-Prone Areas, by its acronym in Spanish], in addition, it also analyses their differences, shortcomings and improvement points. Considering these issues, the SNCZI greatly improves the Basic Guidelines results, not only because it increases the number of likely return period studied, but also enhances the methodology, initial data, available cartography and its public accessibility.