FAQ
How does FLOOD-Mesh actually help during floods?
FLOOD-Mesh provides real-time, ground-level data on soil moisture, flood height, rainfall, and temperature. This information can be sent as frequently as every two minutes, giving first responders live updates on which roads are safe to travel and which areas are inaccessible. Residents can also use the public dashboard to make informed decisions about travel during storms. Over time, the collected data can be used to train predictive models that help forecast when and where road closures are likely to happen.
How is FLOOD-Mesh different from existing flood gauges or alerts?
Traditional flood gauges are expensive and sparse, meaning they cover only key rivers. FLOOD-Mesh is designed to be low-cost and widely deployable, allowing hundreds of nodes to be placed across the city for fine-grained, street-level coverage. Unlike hub-and-spoke systems, FLOOD-Mesh uses a resilient radio mesh network — if one node is damaged or goes offline, the network automatically reroutes data through other nodes. It is not a replacement for existing river monitoring systems but rather a complement, offering neighbourhood-level detail where traditional systems cannot.
Is FLOOD-Mesh a finished product or still in development?
FLOOD-Mesh is currently in the prototype stage. We are preparing to deploy a small number of test nodes (“sticks”) to observe how the system behaves during real weather events. Once testing is complete and we gather performance insights, we plan to expand into larger pilot programs and eventually scale to cover the entire Gold Coast and beyond.
Who can access the data from FLOOD-Mesh?
Access depends on who hosts or funds the deployment. For example, a local government may choose to make the data publicly available through our dashboard (or integrate it into their own systems). Residents may see simplified updates such as whether roads are open or closed, while first responders could have access to more advanced tools — including predictions of road closures and optimized routing during emergencies.
How can the community get involved or support FLOOD-Mesh?
The community can support FLOOD-Mesh by voting for us in the People’s Choice Award. We also welcome feedback and stories from locals about the challenges they’ve faced during severe weather events. By sharing your experiences and spreading the word, you help us shape a solution that truly meets the needs of the Gold Coast community.