This paper discusses the potential of flood extent observations from space to improve the accuracy of hydraulic models in the context of floodplain flooding. In particular, the authors contend that recent availability of accurate synoptic flood extent at regular intervals allows not only calibration of hydraulic models but also integration of flood extent data into the models themselves. The authors also maintain that flood extent observations can help compensate for missing parameters such as fine-scale elevation, surface permeability, and surface roughness.
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