An additional map layer is now available in Wert14 and EnergyCheck: the Heavy Rainfall Hazard Map from the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG). The layer can be displayed directly within the tool and shows, on a property-by-property basis, whether a building is located along a potential runoff path or in an area where surface water may accumulate during heavy rain. This transforms an abstract hazard into concrete, understandable information, whether during a building valuation or an energy assessment. <\/p>\n\n
\u201cThe nearest river is far away, after all.\u201d This is an argument many customers bring up when it comes to natural hazard protection. However, heavy rain doesn\u2019t care whether you\u2019re near a river or not. When exceptionally large amounts of rain fall in a short period of time, the water often cannot fully seep into the ground or be absorbed by the sewer system. It pools and flows downhill into lower-lying areas\u2014even in the middle of residential neighborhoods or right up against buildings. <\/p>\n\n
At the same time, 41% of all buildings in Germany are not adequately insured against natural hazards. The gap between risk and coverage thus remains a key topic of consultation. <\/p>\n\n
The Heavy Rainfall Hazard Map is a nationwide project of the Federal Office for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BKG) developed in collaboration with the federal states. It presents simulation results for two scenarios: an exceptionally heavy rainfall event (statistically once every 100 years) and an extreme event (100 mm of precipitation in one hour). In each case, the simulation calculates how the water behaves on the ground surface. <\/p>\n\n
The layer displays three pieces of information:<\/p>\n\n
The calculation is based on official source data: a high-resolution digital elevation model (DGM1), building and cadastral data (ATKIS\/ALKIS), and precipitation data from the German Weather Service (KOSTRA). Wert14 and EnergyCheck already operate using official building data for 59 million buildings in Germany. With the new layer, the risk becomes visible exactly where you would normally assess a building\u2019s value or energy efficiency\u2014on the building itself. <\/p>\n\n
Important to note: The heavy rain map provides an initial, site-specific assessment and is intended to raise awareness. It is not a substitute for a hazard assessment accurate to the meter. <\/p>\n\n
For consulting firms, the new layer offers a clear advantage: Instead of discussing climate risks in general terms, you can use a specific building to demonstrate where water flows or pools during heavy rain. This makes an often-underestimated risk tangible and creates a solid, transparent foundation for discussing appropriate prevention and insurance solutions. <\/p>\n\n
This shifts the focus of the conversation from claims settlement to prevention and ensures that the discussion is fact-based. Whether you\u2019re assessing building value with Wert14 or conducting an energy assessment with EnergyCheck, the layer can be shown or hidden with a single click and integrates seamlessly into your existing workflow. <\/p>\n\n
The heavy rain map is currently available in twelve federal states: Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia.<\/p>\n\n
It is not yet available in four federal states: Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and Saarland, as the underlying BKG data is not yet available there. However, work is underway to make it available by the end of 2026. The map is also not available for Austria, as the BKG covers only the territory of the Federal Republic of Germany. <\/p>\n\n
Not using Wert14 or EnergyCheck yet? Now is a great time to get started. Sign up and discover the new heavy rain map as well as all the other features for digital building valuation and energy assessment. <\/p>\n\n
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What is the heavy rain map in Wert14 and EnergyCheck?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n An additional map layer based on the BKG’s Heavy Rainfall Hazard Map. It shows, on a site-by-site basis, where surface water flows or collects during heavy rainfall. <\/p>\n\n Where does the data come from?<\/strong> From the nationwide heavy rain hazard map published by the Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG), calculated using an official terrain model, cadastral and building data, and precipitation data from the German Weather Service.<\/p>\n\n Is the map a hazard analysis accurate to the meter?<\/strong> No. It provides a well-founded initial assessment and raises awareness of areas at risk. Municipal heavy rainfall hazard maps should be consulted to establish a detailed basis for planning. <\/p>\n\n In which federal states is the card available?<\/strong> In twelve federal states. It is not yet available in Baden-W\u00fcrttemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, and Saarland; it is not available in Austria. <\/p>\n\n Sources:<\/p>\n\n Federal Agency for Cartography and Geodesy (BKG) (2026):<\/strong> Map Illustrating Heavy Rainfall Hazards. Available online at: https:\/\/bkg.bund.de\/starkregengefahren<\/a> (accessed on July 28, 2026). <\/p>\n\n