Baird developed an industry-leading, multi-hazard cyclone hazard database including models for wind, storm tide inundation and rainfall hazard across Australia from cyclone events. The database has been adopted by major Australian companies in the insurance sector and industry clients with offshore and coastal infrastructure.

Services Provided

In 2017, Baird developed a 10,000-year cyclone hazard data set covering the whole of Australia’s mainland cyclone-prone coastline. The dataset extends over 25,000 km of coastline and provides cyclone wind, storm tide and rainfall hazard data at high resolution. The dataset is developed from Baird’s innovative Monte Carlo cyclone (hurricane) track model in combination with high-resolution, validated cyclone wind and hydrodynamic models. The underlying hydrodynamic model system extends around the whole of Australia, with a minimum coastline resolution of 300 m.

Storm tide hazard inundation depths and extents were developed at a 20 m resolution using a combination of LiDAR and satellite-derived elevation data. Validation of storm tide levels and inundation extents were completed at key locations around Australia. Geospatial hazard surfaces are viewable in GoogleEarth™.

The dataset allows hazard and exposure to be analyzed based on return period and a large ensemble dataset comprising over 5,000 events at individual locations. Baird’s models and datasets have been presented at international conferences. Transparent data reports and model systems descriptions, validation and limitations accompany the various datasets.