UTEP Researchers Launched NASA-Funded Flood Mapping Project
The two-year project aims to mitigate El Paso flood risks using satellite radar and AI models.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Geography
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Researchers at UTEP have initiated a project funded by a nearly $500,000 NASA grant to improve flood mapping in El Paso. The team plans to leverage satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to better predict monsoon-related street flooding.
Why it matters
El Paso frequently experiences intense monsoon storms that threaten local infrastructure, making improved predictive modeling essential for public safety. This effort integrates specialized remote sensing data to create more accurate overlays for urban flood management.
The team will synthesize satellite imagery with Sentinel-1 radar data processed through the Prithvi-EO artificial intelligence model. This methodology aims to improve upon previous flood mapping efforts by creating a dashboard that overlays real-time infrastructure data.
The players
UTEP
A research university based in El Paso that focuses on engineering and environmental science.
NASA
The U.S. federal agency responsible for aeronautics and space research that provides funding for earth science initiatives.
El Paso Water
The local utility provider responsible for water management and flood control infrastructure in the city.
GECU
A local credit union that supports regional development through philanthropic investments in university facilities.
The details
The research team, which includes Yong Je Kim, Jeffrey Weidner, Sungmin Youn, Jaeyoon Kim, and Niamat Hossain, will utilize the Prithvi-EO model—an open-source AI architecture built for Earth observation. By combining this with radar-based satellite data, the project will generate granular maps to assist El Paso Water in identifying high-risk areas. The researchers intend to develop a functional dashboard that integrates these flood maps with existing infrastructure layouts for better city planning.
Timeline
June 2028: The research project is scheduled for completion.
The Tech Race
This project applies the Prithvi-EO artificial intelligence model to regional flood mapping, a growing research domain for climate resilience. It follows a wave of institutional efforts to move planetary-scale satellite data into usable local planning tools.
The development of this dashboard will provide El Paso Water with enhanced tools to identify flooding hotspots before monsoon events. Residents can expect the project to reach operational completion for the city's utility planning by June 2028.
The takeaway
The project highlights how space-based radar and AI are narrowing the gap between global climate trends and local urban risk management. Watch for the completion of the flood dashboard in June 2028 as a key benchmark for UTEP's remote sensing research.
Further reading
For more on the environmental analysis of the region, visit the Geography section.
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Do you believe new technology will improve your community's ability to handle flood events?
