A demo Delft-FEWS configuration for retrieving data from the Google FloodHub API is available for download from here.

This configuration is intended as a basic example that demonstrates how FloodHub location based:

• flood hydrographs and
• flood status information

can be imported into and visualised within Delft-FEWS.

API key

Data retrieval from FloodHub requires an API key which can be obtained from https://developers.google.com/flood-forecasting. Note that it may take up to two weeks for your request to be processed. Once obtained, you'll have to copy your API key into the global.properties file.

Location lists

The configuration includes a location list that was obtained through the FloodHub API in July 2026. 

Under MapLayerFiles, three location files are provided:

• floodhub_locations_all.csv
  Contains the complete list of approximately 260,000 FloodHub locations worldwide. The .csv file contains a 'country' column which one can potentially use to make a selection of locations.

• floodhub_locations_nl.csv
  Contains locations within the Netherlands.

• floodhub_locations.csv
  This is the location file used by the Delft-FEWS configuration. For demonstration purposes, it contains the same locations as floodhub_locations_nl.csv. In operational use, users should replace the contents of this file with the locations relevant to their application.

Workflows

The Navigation Panel (Forecast Tree) contains three workflows:

• Import Hydrographs and Flood Statuses
• Import Hydrographs
• Import Flood Statuses

These workflows may also be started manually from the Manual Forecast Display. This can be used, for example, to retrieve historical forecasts or flood statuses in batch mode.

T0

The T0 of the workflow will determine which data is retrieved. Delft-FEWS will look for the most recent data, relative to T0. Note that this allows for downloading historical data also. Flood hydrographs are available as of some time in 2023; flood statuses as of some time in 2025.

Performance

Downloading hydrographs for all FloodHub locations worldwide typically requires approximately 20 to 25 minutes. A similar duration can be expected when downloading flood status information for all locations.

When downloading data for the Netherlands only, this should take a mere few seconds.

Visualisation

The configuration contains a basic set of visualisation components for both hydrographs and flood status information. Imported FloodHub data can be inspected through the Delft-FEWS Data Viewer and through the Spatial Display.

Flood hydrographs as shown in the Data Viewer

Flood Statuses as seen in the Spatial Display. In the sample configuration, the display is configured to show the most recent data (relative to system time) only.

Import module configuration

If and when you would like to adapt the FloodHub retrieval, please also refer to the documentation for import modules of FloodHub hydrographs and FloodHub flood statuses.

Software Requirements

FloodHub API imports require Delft-FEWS 2026.02 or higher, including a recent software patch.

Users wishing to use FloodHub API integration with earlier Delft-FEWS versions should contact their Delft-FEWS account manager to discuss available options.

Questions or Comments

For questions, support, or feedback regarding the FloodHub API integration, please contact your Delft-FEWS account manager.