UAV for flooding risk assessment in a new Dam Construction in Northeast Mexico

Abstract. Dam construction in flood-prone regions requires accurate terrain and hydrological assessment to mitigate potential risks. In Mexico, a full environmental assessment known as the Environmental Impact Manifestation (Manifestación de Impacto Ambiental, or MIA) must be submitted to the Secretariat of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) for approval. The MIA describes the possible environmental effects of a dam project, including those resulting from construction and operation. Traditionally, these assessments rely on ground-based topographic surveys and limited hydrological data, which—although they fulfill legal requirements—often lack spatial detail and rapid update capabilities. In contrast, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) provide high-resolution, up-to-date geospatial data over large and complex terrains, improving both risk modeling and environmental monitoring. In Northeast Mexico, where increasing rainfall variability and extreme weather events demand robust flood modeling, this study applies UAV-based LiDAR and imagery to assess flood risk and support dam planning. The analysis incorporates return period scenarios and includes the spatial quantification of affected trees and infrastructure, highlighting the operational and ecological implications of dam implementation.