A conversational intelligent assistant for enhanced operational support in floodplain management with multimodal data

Abstract

Floodplain management is crucial for mitigating flood risks and enhancing community resilience, yet floodplain managers often face significant challenges, including the complexity of data analysis, regulatory compliance, and effective communication with diverse stakeholders. This study introduces Floodplain Manager AI, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) based virtual assistant designed to support floodplain managers in their decision-making processes and operations. Utilizing advanced large language models and semantic search techniques, the AI Assistant provides accurate, location-specific guidance tailored to the unique regulatory environments of different states. It is capable of interpreting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood maps through multimodal capabilities, allowing users to understand complex visual data and its implications for flood risk assessment. The AI Assistant also simplifies access to comprehensive floodplain management resources, enabling users to quickly find relevant information and streamline their workflows. Experimental evaluations demonstrated substantial improvements in accuracy and relevance of the AI Assistant's response, underscoring its effectiveness in addressing the specific needs of floodplain managers. By facilitating informed decision-making and promoting proactive measures, Floodplain Manager AI aims to enhance flood risk mitigation operations and support sustainable community development in the context of increasing flood events driven by climate change. Ultimately, this research highlights the transformative potential of AI technologies in improving floodplain management practices and fostering community resilience.