Joint Research

The frequent occurrence of flood damage in recent years, as a result of increasing urbanization and localized torrential rain, has had serious effects on personal life and property, as well as urban functions.

In order to take proper action to prevent this flood damage, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism installed a total of 11 pieces of X-band multi-parameter (MP) radar equipment in the three largest metropolitan regions and other regions in Japan (Kanto, Hokuriku, Chubu, and Kinki regions) by March, 2010, and commenced trial operations. The precipitation information provided by these X-band radar systems enables higher-precision observation (250-m mesh) compared to C-band radar systems, such as AMeDAS, and is expected to greatly contribute to preparedness for the localized torrential rain that Japan has experienced of late.

NiX is conducting joint research on the utilization of X-band radar, in collaboration with Professor Oishi of the Research Center for Urban Safety and Security, Kobe University, who is a leading authority on X-band MP radar research. This research is being done in the Kureha Water Discharge Area in Toyama City. In FY 2015 and FY 2016, we completed the verification and evaluation of the accuracy of the real-time flood prediction system, as part of the Breakthrough by Dynamic Approach in Sewage High Technology (B-DASH) Project.* Starting in FY 2017, we continue our independent research, with the aim of increasing the accuracy of this system, and improving its usability in assisting self-help and cooperation efforts.