Related previous and current projects

OUTLAND: Open protocols and tools for the edUcation and Training of voLuntary organisations in the field of Civil Protection, against nAtural Disasters (forest fires) in Greece and Bulgaria

Funded by: European Territorial Cooperation Programme - Greece-Bulgaria 2007-2013

Duration: Feb. 2012 - Feb. 2014

Abstract:

The overall objective of the OUTLAND Project is the creation of a complete system / framework for the education and training of the Firest Fire Volunteers Groups of Civil Protection Agencies in Greece and Bulgaria. This framework includes educational material, the necessary infrastructure, tools and mechanisms, so as the framework will be available and usefull after the end of the project. The education and training that leads to the specialization and certification of the Forest Fire Volunteer Groups is considered to be the cornerstone for the activation of a procedure that will bring the volunteers to the foreground, will exploit their capabilities and will make their role clear to the citizens and also to the involved operational commanders.

FOREST FIRE PREVENTION 2012-2013 (in Greek)

Funded by: 

Duration:

Abstract:

FIRE PARADOX - An Innovative Approach of Integrated Wildland Fire Management Regulating the Wildfire Problem by the Wise Use of Fire: Solving the Fire Paradox

Funded by: EU FP6 - Sustainable development, global change and ecosystems

Duration: March 2006 - Feb. 2010

Abstract:

FIRE PARADOX sets the basis for a fire management policy in the European Union. The central objective of Fire Paradox is to prevent the current disastrous social, economic and environmental consequences of wildfires in the Mediterranean environments.The approach is innovative: the regulation of the wildfire problem is based on the wise use of fire.

Wildfires are a major problem for many European societies threatening human lives and property with disastrous impacts particularly at the wildland-urban interface. On the other hand humans always used fire as a tool to regulate nature and traditional use of fire is known in many regions of Europe. The understanding of this paradox, is thus essential for finding solutions for integrated wildland fire management. This concept requires considering the various aspects of fire, from its use as a planned management practice (prescribed fire) to the initiation and propagation of unplanned fires (wildfires) and to the use of fire in fighting wildfires (suppression fire). Prescribed or suppression fires will therefore set the limits for wildfires by vontrolling their spatial extent, intensity and impacts.This is the main approach adopted aiming at the creation of the scientific and technological bases for new practices and policies under integrated wildland fire management and in the development of strategies for its implementation in Europe. Three major domains of related activities were considered: research, development and dissemination.In research, the project will focus on understanding the machanisms and modelling the processes associated with fire, from physics to biology and social sciences. Experimental and sampling methods will be used. The scientific and technical knowledge gathered will allow the development of a technological platform that will integrate the fire model, the temporal and spatial variability of fuels and weather, and the potential ecological and social-economical impacts. Documentation and demonstration platforms will also be extensively used for dissemination, focusing in the development of stategies for public awarness, academic and professional training using new communication technologies and networks, and for the implementation of new practices, policies and regulations under the concept of integrated wildland fire management.

SCIER: Sensor and Computing Infrastructure for Environmental Risks

Funded by: EU FP6 - IST

Duration: July 2006 - Dec. 2008

Abstract:

The SCIER platform is a complex Integrated System which embodies technologies and structures from different Scientific Fields: Wireless Sensor Networks, Environmental Engineering and Modelling, Grid Computing for parallel processing. To merge modules developed on different technological platforms so that they form a new, complete system is a very difficult task which requires an excellent knowledge and understanding of operational specifications for each module in separate, as well as a clear overview of the Integration strategy.

It is customary that the architecture of such a large-scale system is visualized by a vertical, bi-directional flow-chart divided into different layers. Each layer performs a specific set of activities. Contiguous Layers contribute to their common Interface so that all bilateral transactions are reliable and safe.  SCIER consists of three (3) architectural layers: i)  a Sensing System for monitoring the Area of Interest (AoI), ii) a Local Area Control Unit for administering Local Networks or Sensors and iii) a Computing System for simulating in real time scenarios on eminent disasters. Each Layer embraces a new set of sub-systems with their private Interfaces and operational specifications.

COMETS: Real-time coordination and control of multiple heterogeneous unmanned aerial vehicles

Funded by: EU FP5 - IST

Duration: May 2002 - June 2005

Abstract:

The main objective of COMETS is to design and implement a distributed control system for cooperative detection and monitoring using heterogeneous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Particularly, both helicopters and airships will be included. In order to achieve this general objective, the project will design and implement a new control architecture, will develop new control techniques, and will integrate distributed sensing techniques and real-time image processing capabilities. In order to test and validate these concepts and systems, COMETS will demonstrate the capabilities of the system in real-time forest fire detection and monitoring. Major innovations will be a multi-UAV decentralized control system, new hybrid control architecture, new UAV control techniques, real-time fault tolerance communications, cooperative environment perception, and a new relevant application.

SPREAD: Forest Fire Spread Prevention and Mitigation

Funded by: EU FP5 - Energy, environment and sustainable development

Duration: Jan. 2002 - Dec. 2005

Abstract:

SPREAD is a European research project that deals with the three main issues of wildland fire research and management: fire occurrence, fire behavior and fire effects. 26 teams from 14 different countries (including Canada and Finland) address fuel type modeling, spatial and temporal anaylsis of fire occurrence, fire behavior modeling, fire ecology and fire management in the European context. SPREAD aims to provide the basis and framework for the development and implementation of an integrated forest fire management system for Europe. Special emphasis is put on spaceborne and airborne Earth observation methods, meteorological data, information on the human factor in fire risk, and assimilation of these data into fire prevention and fire behavior models. In close collaboration with regional and national forest agencies, innovative landscape forest and management strategies, i.e. new approaches to post-fire landscape management are studied.

AUTO-HAZARD PRO: Automated fire and flood hazard protection system

Funded by: EU FP5 - Energy, environment and sustainable development

Duration: Jan. 2002 - Dec. 2004

Abstract:

The AUTO-HAZARD PRO project integrates real-time and on-line fire and flood hazard management schemes into a GIS-type platform. AUTO-HAZARD PRO is scheduled to be developed in EU Member-State Disasters Management and Civil Protection Agencies. Collection, input, storage, management and analysis of the information will depend on advanced and automated methodologies using Remote Sensing, GPS, Digital Mapping and GIS. Proactive development of such infrastructure will assist in fast and realistic prevention and pre-suppression planning, real-time fire suppression operations, and rehabilitation of burned areas. Expected products include: a) wildfire danger rating indices; b) Flood danger index; c) Weather forecasting modeling; d) Autonomous fire detection system; e) On-line operational decision support system; f) Training of personnel; g) Dissemination of information and technology transfer.

FORFAIT - Forest fire risk and hazard assessment: a holistic approach

Funded by: EU FP5 - IST -1999

Duration: Jan. 2000 - June 2002

Abstract:

The FORFAIT project sets out to develop a Decision Support System (DSS) in order to assist planners, regulators and industries in optimising the forest fire risks management. This system consists of three different kinds of applications: a) planning of fire prevention actions; b) coordination of personnel training activities; c) simulation of critical stages. FORFAIT is based on the integration of various information sources, such as satellite downlink, meteorological data, state-of-the-art predictive models, or involved professionals expertise and knowledge. Any decision process will be aided by a support system based on fuzzy logic to suggest the most appropriate course of action; also a probabilistic framework, which will take account of uncertainty in the parameters, will help.