# GIS-Based Flood Assessment Using Hydraulic Modeling and Open Source Data: An Example of Application
## 4 Discussion
### The Relevance and Applicability of the Proposed Working Model for Flood Risk Analysis  
Hydraulic and hydrological models are essential tools for flood risk analysis due to their ability to simulate the complex processes associated with water flow and accumulation phenomena. These models enable the analysis and forecasting of extreme events, such as flash floods or inundations, providing critical information for risk management and spatial planning [82]. For instance, the use of HEC-RAS in this study demonstrated that simulations with varying flow rates can identify vulnerable areas, enabling proactive measures to mitigate risks. The results obtained in HEC-RAS, integrated with geospatial data within the GIS environment, facilitate hydraulic modeling and offer precise and easily interpretable results, which are highly valued in the scientific community [83; 84]. As highlighted by [PERSON] (2020) [26] and [PERSON] (2021) [27], the integration of geospatial data and remote sensing technologies in hydro-geomorphological analysis enhances the accuracy of models, significantly contributing to increased territorial resilience. Moreover, hydraulic models facilitate the assessment of the impact of floods on critical infrastructure and agricultural lands, an important aspect of the socio-economic sustainability of communities. According to [PERSON] (2020) [44] and [PERSON] (2018) [43], these tools provide a robust methodologicalframework for investigating hydrological phenomena while allowing integration with other disciplines, such as ecology or hydraulic engineering.  
The workflow proposed in this study combines hydraulic modeling in HEC-RAS, geospatial data, and GIS technologies, offering a reproducible and adaptable methodology. This approach is notable for utilizing open-source data, such as high-resolution spatial DEM generated from LiDAR data and the Corine Land Cover (CLC) database, making it accessible for future applications in other similar river basins. A major feature of the workflow is the application of the steady flow analysis method, considering local parameters that reflect the specific conditions of the analyzed river segment. This detailed approach aligns with the standards recommended in the specialized literature, such as [PERSON] (2016) [46], which emphasizes the importance of calibrating the model to the specific conditions of each region.  
The approach used in this study offers the advantage of integrating a wide range of data and techniques while modeling in HEC-RAS, which provides an optimal balance between versatility and accessibility, being an open-source solution available to all interested parties [48; 50].  
Furthermore, the applicability of the proposed workflow in this study is reinforced by its impact analysis on agricultural lands for risk evaluation. This holistic approach is more comprehensive compared to studies focusing solely on specific aspects, such as temporal analysis of flood extent [40] or rapid and precise detection of flooded areas [39]. The results obtained in this study confirm the findings of other research that emphasize the importance of GIS and remote sensing technologies in flood risk analysis [33; 37].