UTEP Researchers Launched NASA-Funded Flood Mapping Project
A team of academics will use satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to better predict flood risks in El Paso.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Geography
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Researchers at UTEP have begun a new two-year project backed by nearly $500,000 in NASA funding to improve flood mapping for the city of El Paso. The team aims to address the intense monsoon storms that frequently cause significant flooding in local streets and neighborhoods.
Why it matters
By creating a digital dashboard that combines infrastructure overlays with real-time data, the researchers hope to provide better risk assessment tools for a region prone to flash flooding. Partnering with El Paso Water ensures the project is directly tailored to the specific geographical challenges faced by residents.
The research team will utilize the Prithvi-EO artificial intelligence model alongside Sentinel-1 radar data and satellite imagery to map flood patterns. The project is expected to be completed by June 2028.
The players
Yong Je Kim
He is a lead researcher at UTEP involved in the development of the flood mapping project.
El Paso Water
This local utility agency is partnering with researchers to test and implement the new flood mapping technology.
NASA
The federal agency is providing nearly $500,000 in funding for the flood mitigation research project.
UTEP
This academic institution is hosting the research team and conducting the study on regional flood patterns.
The details
The project involves developing a specialized dashboard that will offer visual insights into urban flooding vulnerabilities. This technology is being tested through a collaboration with El Paso Water to ensure the mapping tools effectively capture the impact of regional monsoon events.
Timeline
June 2028: Expected completion date for the research project.
The Big Picture
This project builds upon the capabilities of the Prithvi-EO artificial intelligence model to solve complex local geography problems. It marks a shift toward integrating specialized AI tools into regional urban planning to mitigate the impacts of climate-driven storm surges.
Residents may eventually see improved municipal flood response and infrastructure planning as the dashboard data is integrated into local operations. This study could lead to more accurate flood risk assessments for homeowners and city planners in future monsoon seasons.
The takeaway
Using advanced satellite data and AI can transform how desert cities prepare for unpredictable monsoon weather patterns. Residents can monitor local updates from the city to see how new mapping tools inform future drainage improvements.
Further reading
Learn more about the environmental factors shaping our region on the Geography section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KDBC.
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