Adapting future Atlantis: Adaptlantis.
In a changing environment where natural hazards are becoming more frequent, safeguarding and adapting our infrastructure is vital for future resilience.
Analysing critical infrastructure networks.
We offer model-based analysis methods for flood hazard impacts to critical infrastructure networks under participation of stakeholders and for the identification of potential measures.
Services
We offer our services divided into four distinct service blocks, which can be requested individually but mutually enhance each other's outcomes. The blocks are critical infrastructure network assembly, stakeholder participation, flood risk analysis, and, subsequently, measure identification. They are described as follows...
1. Critical infrastructure network assembly and hazard independent analysis
The relevant critical infrastructure sectors, their layers, elements, and dependencies are identified. These are assembled into a digital network model that allows for the representation of the functionality of the critical infrastructure network for emergency management purposes. Subsequently, the critical infrastructure network is analysed to identify particularly vulnerable and crucial network elements.
2. Critical infrastructure stakeholder identification & participation
Continuous engagement of critical infrastructure stakeholders increases the likelihood of successful projects. The process begins with the identification and individual consultation with representatives from critical infrastructure sector groups to gather information or data. In the next step, critical infrastructure operators and stakeholders are invited to a participatory workshop, where dependencies, vulnerabilities, and opportunities are identified.
3. Flood hazard and risk analysis
In a flood hazard and risk analysis the potential for flooding in the investigated area is assessed on a catchment level, considering factors such as topography, rainfall patterns, and human activities. The likelihood of flooding events and their potential impacts on people, property, and the environment are then combined into a flood risk analysis that gives a spatial and quantified statement about the flood risk situation.
4. Identification of action areas as well as quantification and development of measures
Each CI sector has individual measures along each step of the disaster risk reduction cycle. Starting with the impact, measures are available for the response, recovery, prevention and preparedness stage. By identifying potential action areas Block 1, 2 and 3 can support the identification of the appropriate measures and help to reassure their sector-overarching usefulness.
Our areas of expertise
We focus our work on the role of critical infrastructures during natural hazard events. To this end, our approach specifically considers interdependencies within CI and the resulting critical infrastructure networks, as referenced in the European Critical Entities Resilience framework or national regulations such as the German Critical Infrastructure Framework, KRITIS Dachgesetz.
A model-based approach like ours enables the quantification of flooding, climate change impacts, and potential measures. This approach helps to better understand the complex interdependencies within critical infrastructure networks and, based on network metrics, prioritise areas worth taking action.
The method presented here is capable of structurally integrating local expert knowledge about critical infrastructure networks, thereby enhancing the applicability of the outcomes of the services we offer.
We begin our work with publicly available data from OSM and software tools such as QGIS and ProMaIDes, using scientifically published methodologies. Both tools are continuously improved to meet specific needs.
The presented methods can represent the hierarchical structure of critical infrastructures in sectors such as sectors such as energy, water, nutrition, information and communication technology (ICT), health and more.
Flood risk management is an iterative process based on the analysis of the current flood risk situation, which includes various types of flood consequences, the decision to accept or reject the flood risk, and the implementation of a set of measures to manage it. Adaptlantis takes care of the integration of CI in this process.
The combination of hydrological and hydraulic modelling with weather forecasts enables the prediction of flooding. By incorporating the assessment of consequences into this process, potential impacts can also be forecasted, allowing for appropriate preparation and response measures to be triggered.
Network models are used to digitalize the complex interdependencies within and outside of CI sectors and help understand cascading effects and potential measures.
For the work of Adaptlantis, continuous stakeholder communication is recommended to connect CI operators and stakeholders, enhancing the outcome of model-based analyses and aiding in the identification of appropriate measures for each application area.
Modelling methods are also used to determine the water flow and behaviour within natural or engineered water systems. They use mathematical and computational models to derive inundation areas for specific probabilities and potentially for a timely progression.
Case studies, projects & software
About
Roman Schotten, the founder of Adaptlantis, holds a degree in civil engineering with a focus on hydraulic engineering from RWTH Aachen University and the Technical University of Dresden. For his diploma thesis, Roman collaborated with the Dutch research institute Deltares, where he developed a risk-based forecasting system. This system integrates the probability of flood events with the potential impact on affected populations to enhance decision-making for crisis managers.
In his first professional role at Deltares, Roman gained extensive experience in international collaboration and various modelling methods for flood risk assessment and prevention. His work emphasized the consequences of flooding on people, economies, and infrastructure, rather than focusing solely on hydraulic or hydrological aspects.
Following his tenure at Deltares in the Netherlands, Roman pursued a PhD in critical infrastructure network modelling for flood risk management at the University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal, under the guidance of Prof. Daniel Bachmann. Adaptlantis was founded based on the insights and findings from his PhD research. Prof. Bachmann is supporting Adaptlantis as scientific advisor.
Currently, Roman balances his role at Adaptlantis with a postdoctoral position at University College London, where he works on multi-hazard risk modelling and social consequences in the research group of Prof. Carmine Galasso and Prof. Gemma Cremen.
FAQs
Risk is never zero. However, by preparing a community, municipality, or city better for potential hazard events, the risk can be lowered, and the residual risk can be managed much more effectively. As a basis for this, a multitude of outcomes is delivered based on the provided service blocks. The model files for the analysis of the CI network, as well as the flood risk, are delivered with an explanation of input, output, and uncertainty. Especially endangered CI structures, as well as particularly relevant CI structures, are pinpointed, including potential measures. Additionally, the participatory approach will enable CI operators and other stakeholders to connect anew or strengthen their organizational ties. Additional outcomes such as action-plans or web-based results are possible when partnering with other institutions.
The results are only as good as the input they receive. Therefore, the quality of the results highly depends on the quality of the data and information provided to us. We ensure that this data is processed using scientific methods and that any remaining uncertainties are communicated clearly. Throughout this process, we ensure that all information, data, and results are securely treated and stored.
For this service to work, we need representatives from CI stakeholders with a certain dedication to flood or hazard risk management. There should be a willingness to share information or even data on some levels. It is greatly helpful if you already have an organizational bond with those stakeholders.
Want to get in touch?
You want to know more about the services we offer?
You have suggestions or remarks?
You would like to collaborate?