Copernicus Flood Intelligence Supporting Reinsurance Decisions
Satellite data is transforming flood risk assessment, enabling faster, more accurate insights for insurers and reinsurers through innovative use of Copernicus Earth observation services.
Advancing Flood Impact Assessment with Copernicus Data
Floods are among the most destructive and costly natural hazards faced by insurers and reinsurers worldwide. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, the need for rapid, reliable and objective information has never been greater. Traditional flood intelligence often depends on manual information gathering, scattered local reports and delayed claims data, which can slow operational decision-making and complicate early loss evaluations. In many regions, access to timely and consistent hazard information remains uneven, creating uncertainty at moments when clarity is essential.
To address this challenge, EUSPA supported a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) between MAPFRE RE, a global reinsurer, and ICEYE, a Copernicus Contributing Mission provider. The initiative explored how Copernicus data, particularly its Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and complementary services, could support reinsurance processes before, during and after flood events. The objective was to demonstrate how Earth Observation (EO) can strengthen flood loss estimation, improve situational awareness and enhance the accuracy of risk modelling across MAPFRE RE’s international portfolio.
A Flexible, Data-Driven Flood Assessment Approach
The PoC focused on evaluating how Copernicus data, used together with ICEYE’s SAR-based analytics, could support operational workflows within MAPFRE RE. Sentinel-1 SAR imagery played a central role by offering reliable flood detection regardless of cloud cover or time of day. Sentinel-2 optical data supported interpretation in complex surface environments, while Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) products provided additional context for flood extent and early situational awareness.
Throughout the PoC, MAPFRE RE received access to satellite-derived flood footprints, inundation depth estimates and event evolution insights. This enabled the reinsurer to assess potential exposure at asset level, compare observed impacts with internal models and refine early loss sizing in the immediate aftermath of flood events. The approach also allowed the company to explore the integration of Copernicus-based layers into existing workflows, ensuring that insights could be used rapidly and consistently across teams and regions.
By combining EO-derived hazard information with MAPFRE RE’s portfolio and risk data, the PoC demonstrated a scalable assessment method that can be reproduced across different geographies and flood types. It highlighted how Copernicus data offers a transparent basis for interpreting early impacts and for validating internal or third-party catastrophe models. The project also improved MAPFRE RE’s understanding of the strengths and limitations of Copernicus products, particularly regarding resolution, revisit frequency and delivery timelines.
Real Impact, Real Insights
At the conclusion of the PoC, MAPFRE RE recognised the added value of Copernicus-based EO information in strengthening its decision-making during major flood events. The initiative showed that Copernicus provides reliable and objective intelligence that enhances early assessments, supports internal coordination and enables more consistent communication with stakeholders during crises.
The PoC also showed how Copernicus can complement commercial data sources by providing a robust foundation of open, standardised information that can be combined with higher-resolution proprietary datasets when needed. This blend of public-sector and commercial EO capabilities illustrated the potential for a hybrid approach to become a routine component of reinsurance workflows, especially when rapid situational awareness is required.
“Thanks to this PoC, MAPFRE RE has gained a better understanding of the impact of flood events on our portfolios. Knowing the evolution, extent, and depth of a flood event is crucial for assessing the potential damage and loss. This leads to better management of our portfolio”. Miriam García Reigosa, Manager of Natural Perils Department, MAPFRE RE
Looking Ahead
The success of the PoC created momentum for deeper cooperation. Building on the results obtained, MAPFRE RE and ICEYE formalised a commercial agreement in 2025 for global access to satellite-based flood data. This marked a significant step in operationalising the PoC’s findings and confirmed the relevance of Copernicus-powered insights for the reinsurance sector. The collaboration demonstrates how EO data can evolve from experimental use to an integral part of day-to-day operational decision-making.
This initiative provides a strong example of how Copernicus can support private-sector resilience while stimulating innovation in the European EO ecosystem. It also serves as a blueprint for other insurers and reinsurers seeking transparent, data-driven methods to understand flood events and mitigate climate-related risks. The PoC shows that satellite data is not only a valuable emergency asset but also a strategic tool for long-term risk management in an increasingly uncertain world.
Interested in exploring these opportunities please contact EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu.
Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website.