Sharing a Mini-Project: ArcPy Automation for Lava Flow Simulation (Disaster Mitigation)

mandreansyah — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 02:16:34 GMT

Hello Esri YPN Community! 👋

My name is Andre. As an Urban and Regional Planning student currently focusing on building a career as a GIS professional, I am thrilled to join and learn with this community. I have a strong interest in advanced spatial modeling and geoprocessing automation.

For my first post, I’d like to share a recent mini-project I worked on related to disaster mitigation: Modeling and Simulating Lava Flow Based on Elevation Data. The case study is Mount Gede-Pangrango (2962 - 3019 MASL) located in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia.

In this project, I integrated Python scripting to streamline data preparation before moving into the simulation phase. Here is an overview of the workflow:

1. Automating DEM Pre-Processing using ArcPy The reliability of any simulation heavily depends on the quality of the topographic data. Instead of executing manual pre-processing steps, I wrote a Python script utilizing the ArcPy library to automate several crucial geoprocessing tasks, including:

Reprojection to UTM (Zone 48S)
Fill NoData (using Focal Statistics evaluation)
Fill Sink (removing artificial depressions in the DEM)

Using ArcPy saved a significant amount of time, especially when iterating the data across different potential volcanic vent areas.

2. Lava Flow Parameters and Simulation Once the DEM was prepared and exported, I moved into the simulation phase. The modeling combines two distinct approaches:

Probabilistic Model (Felpeto et al., 2001): To model the lava spread based on elevation.
Deterministic Model (FLOWGO): A thermo-rheological approach to predict flow length, incorporating conductive cooling and viscosity variables.

Additionally, I included topographic correction factors, namely Lava Thickness (Hc) and Depression Filling Factor (Hp) to ensure the simulation respects the physical terrain constraints.

3. Results and Spatial Overlay The simulation successfully generated predicted lava invasion paths. To apply this to a disaster mitigation context, I overlaid the spatial output with existing conditions. The results clearly illustrate how potential lava flows could intersect vital hiking trails and evacuation routes on Mt. Gede-Pangrango.

Let's Connect and Discuss! Through this project, I learned a great deal about how spatial data serves as a critical key in disaster prediction and mitigation.

I am very open to discussion, constructive feedback, or collaboration with fellow YPN members. Do any of you frequently utilize ArcPy for natural disaster mitigation workflows? Or perhaps you have suggestions regarding other hazard modeling parameters I could explore?

Thank you for reading, and I look forward to connecting with you all!

Best regards,

Andre

Re: Sharing a Mini-Project: ArcPy Automation for Lava Flow Simulation (Disaster Mitigation)

SpencerThornhill — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 23:06:50 GMT

Andre, this is an incredible project! I can only imagine applications to all sorts of regions with heavy lava flow; and perhaps mitigation of disasters.

What was the hardest part of your project? Any interesting thoughts you could share on the applicability of the project in professional settings?

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Sharing a Mini-Project: ArcPy Automation for Lava Flow Simulation (Disaster Mitigation)

Re: Sharing a Mini-Project: ArcPy Automation for Lava Flow Simulation (Disaster Mitigation)