Physics-based hydrodynamic models are essential for accurate flood prediction but are computationally expensive, limiting their applicability for real-time forecasting and probabilistic analyses. Conversely, pure machine learning (ML) models offer both computational efficiency and accuracy but often lack interpretability. To address this gap, we propose SGUnet, a physics-informed ML model and a hybrid theory-guided data science approach, for rapid, high-resolution flood mapping. It utilizes a neural network with U-Net architecture and integrates subgrid-based coarse-grid hydrodynamic model predictions as initial estimates, upskilling them to achieve fine-grid model accuracy. Unlike traditional hydrodynamic models, the subgrid method embeds fine-scale topographic details within coarse-grid cells, enhancing both computational efficiency and predictive accuracy. SGUnet processes flood depth raster patches (512 × 512 pixels) and corresponding digital elevation models as inputs. It functions as a deep learning-based corrector, refining flood predictions from numerical simulators. Trained through supervised learning, SGUnet learns to correct deviations in coarse-grid predictions using fine-grid model outputs as target values. The model is evaluated across three large Australian watersheds—Wollombi, Chowilla, and Burnett River—using HEC-RAS flood simulations with subgrid formulation. SGUnet reduces root mean squared error by a factor of 4.5–5.3 compared to coarse-grid models, achieves a critical success index exceeding 0.9 for flood extent mapping, and delivers a 50x speed-up over fine-grid hydrodynamic models. Furthermore, SGUnet outperforms a state-of-the-art ML-based upskilling model in depth and extent predictions. By effectively correcting flood artifacts from coarse-grid models, SGUnet achieves near fine-grid accuracy with significantly reduced computational cost, demonstrating its potential for real-time flood risk assessment.

Environmental sustainability is a major concern for urban and rural development. Actors and stakeholders need economic, effective and efficient simulations in order to predict and evaluate the impact of development on the environment and the constraints that the environment imposes on development. Numerical simulation models are usually computation expensive and require expert knowledge. We consider the problem of hydrological modelling and simulation. With a training set consisting of pairs of inputs and outputs from an off-the-shelves simulator, We show that a neural network can learn a surrogate model effectively and efficiently and thus can be used as a surrogate simulation model. Moreover, we argue that the neural network model, although trained on some example terrains, is generally capable of simulating terrains of different sizes and spatial characteristics.