WMS flood hazard map NRW

North Rhine-Westphalia has been making considerable efforts for many years to protect people, the environment, economic and cultural goods from the dangers of flooding. In addition to structural measures, the mapping of risks, the information of the affected citizens, precautionary planning and flood-oriented development planning are of central importance. By 2015, flood risk management plans will be developed in North Rhine-Westphalia for all areas where significant flood damage can occur. The aim of the new plans is to inform about existing hazards and to capture and coordinate actions from different actors in order to reduce and manage flood-related risks to human health, the environment, infrastructure and property. The basis for this is the EC Flood Risk Assessment and Management Directive (EC-HWRM-RL), which entered into force on 26 November 2007. The aim of the Directive was adopted by the Federal Government in the amendment to the Water Budget Act (WHG) (in force since 1 March 2010). The following steps are foreseen to implement the WHG: Until December 2011: Preliminary assessment and definition of areas where floods may pose a significant risk to human health, the environment, cultural heritage, economic activities or material assets (so-called risk areas). Until December 2013: Preparation of flood hazard and risk maps for these areas. Flood hazard maps provide information about the possible extent and depth of flooding. The local flood situation is represented for an extreme flood, for a 100-year event and also for a frequent flood event.