Fugro maps south central Texas to bolster flood risk planning

Fugro has been commissioned to carry out elevation mapping of approx. 41,381 square kilometres along the Guadalupe, San Antonio, Lower Colorado and Lavaca river basins. The project will generate critical geospatial data to support flood risk assessments and infrastructure planning.

Many areas across south central Texas have faced repeated flooding in recent years, pushing local authorities to rethink their approach to hazard mitigation and modernize drainage, transport and water systems. The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has therefore commissioned Fugro to perform a large-scale elevation mapping project.

Accurate aerial view

The work is being delivered through the Texas Geographic Information Office (TxGIO), which provides consistent, high‑quality geographic data used by agencies across Texas for planning and public‑safety applications. As a longtime partner of the Strategic Mapping Program (StratMap) at TxGIO, Fugro is using high‑accuracy airborne Lidar mapping methods to provide state and local partners with an accurate view of the landscape as it exists today. To streamline data collection and improve data quality across the project area, the approach uses precise satellite positioning to reduce the need for new ground reference stations, while Fugro’s cloud‑based processing systems help accelerate data delivery to the state.

“Up‑to‑date elevation data is a critical resource for communities working to understand flood risk and strengthen their infrastructure,” said Ellen St. Romain, Lidar program specialist at TxGIO. “This project will ensure planners, engineers and emergency managers have credible information to support decisions that protect people and property.”

“South central Texas is growing fast, and flood maps need to keep pace with that growth,” said Keith Owens, Fugro’s commercial director for remote sensing and mapping in the Americas. “By updating elevation data across these river basins, communities can plan drainage, roads and development with a clearer understanding of today’s flood risks.”

Aerial data collection began on 10 January 2026 and was completed on 16 February 2026. Fugro will deliver mapping products to the state in stages through January 2027. Once data is reviewed and approved by the state, the new elevation dataset will be released for public use through the TxGIO DataHub.