Understanding dynamic fluvial processes and how they influence our landscape is essential to the accurate characterization and effective mitigation of hazards and risks associated with sediment erosion, transport, and deposition. Matrix’ GIS and Water Resources Teams focus on innovative Fluvial Hazard Zone mapping and Stream Management Corridor (SMC) identification as critical tools for mitigation of inundation hazards through floodplain regulations and ensuring decisions regarding land use adjacent to stream corridors also consider sediment-related hazards.

Our GIS Team has refined best practices for creating visualizations that aid in the fluvial hazard mapping process. Relative Elevation Models (REMs) are developed and used as visual analytical tools that support the identification of fluvial signatures such as relict stream channels, the presence or absence of floodplain surfaces, alluvial fans, and avulsion areas. The identification of these signatures is key to successfully delineating Active Stream Corridors (ASC) and the fluvial hazards they pose. Our GIS and Water Resources Teams are further using REMs and ASCs to refine the process of delineating SMCs. The approach supports land use and development planning, safety enhancement, habitat preservation, and stream restoration and preservation.