Climate Adaptation and Flood Resilience

In 2015, Grace GIS developed the Integrated Climate Adaptation Model (ICAM) for the City of Melbourne, creating a comprehensive framework to assess and prepare for the impacts of extreme climate events. By integrating advanced geospatial analysis, hydrological modelling, and climate data, the ICAM provided a predictive tool designed to support resilient urban planning and informed infrastructure investment.

The model evaluated the city’s vulnerability to flooding, drought, and other climate-related hazards, helping Council identify high-risk areas and prioritise mitigation strategies. It also informed stormwater management improvements through detailed hydrological assessment and scenario testing.

The ICAM has since served as a critical decision-support resource, guiding Melbourne’s climate adaptation planning and strengthening its capacity to respond to evolving environmental challenges.

In 2008, Grace GIS conducted coastal inundation modelling using the Bath-Tub approach to support flood risk assessment and coastal planning. Leveraging high-resolution LiDAR elevation data, we produced detailed inundation extent layers that accurately represented potential flood scenarios. Flood impact visualisations were generated at 10-centimetre intervals, allowing planners to clearly understand how incremental sea-level rise and storm surge conditions could affect vulnerable coastal zones.

This project delivered precise spatial outputs that strengthened coastal hazard analysis, informed risk mitigation strategies, and supported evidence-based decision-making for long-term coastal resilience planning.