GIS Fire Solutions: A Case Study from Greece

As part of our science communication efforts, we believe it is important to highlight other projects that aim to use technology to make people safer from wildfires. Today’s post focuses on an innovative wildfire solution coming out of the Mediterranean.

Here in California and around the world, Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping and data analytics are an important part of visualizing and fighting fires. In Greece, where increased droughts and fire danger are predicted in years to come, researchers have developed an app AEGIS [1, 2] to help both firefighters and the public understand local fires better and, therefore, make better safety decisions [1, 2]. 

AEGIS (Advanced Emergency Graphical Information System [3]) allows users to access online wildfire data which can be used in fire preparation and to help firefighters do their jobs more effectively [2]. Additionally it alerts users to fire danger when the danger is first present [2]. AEGIS can collect data using images from satellites, as well as live information from the field [2]. With these kinds of data, you can even run a simulation (see figure 1) of a fire to predict its spread more accurately [2]. This can allow many people, including firefighters, to understand the fire better, and therefore, make better safety decisions [3]. 

[2]

Figure 1

An example of how the AEGIS platform displays a wildfire simulation to its users [2]. Image accessed from part of a larger figure in source 2. 

However, these are not the only pieces of data that AEGIS makes available to its users. AEGIS also has information on the weather, the location of roads and water tanks, and much more (see figure 2) [4]. This data can help people better understand how the fire might travel (especially since weather data can be used in the simulations [2]), and which evacuation routes may be the most effective.

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Figure 2

A view of what a user of the AEGIS app may actually see when trying to find additional information [2]. Image accessed from part of a larger figure in source 2. 

Additionally, because AEGIS is available as an app and can be easily accessed with mobile devices, the platform and information is more accessible, meaning first responders can use it more quickly and easily [2]. In a high stakes and fast paced disaster like a dangerous wildfire, such accessibility is crucial. In California, wildfire risk is also predicted to increase [5]. This means that accessible services for understanding fire behavior and other important safety information will only become more crucial in California. AEGIS is a promising example for how such a service could operate. In fact, FRAP (Fire and Resource Assessment Program) in California already uses GIS techniques and makes wildfire-relevant information accessible to anyone who seeks it out [6].

In conclusion, AEGIS is technology committed to improving fire safety. At the Robotic-Assisted Wood Waste Removal Project, we are also using technology to make people safer from wildfires. For this reason, in our science communication efforts, we believe it is important to highlight other projects with the same goal.   

Sources:

1. Rovithakis, A., Grillakis, M. G., Seiradakis, K. D., Giannakopoulos, C., Karali, A., Field, R., Lazaridis, M., & Voulgarakis, A. (2022). Future climate change impact on wildfire danger over the Mediterranean: the case of Greece. Environmental Research Letters, 17(4), 45022. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac5f94 

2. Kalabokidis, K., Ager, A., Finney, M., Athanasis, N., Palaiologou, P., & Vasilakos, C. (2016). AEGIS: a wildfire prevention and management information system. Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 16(3), 643–661. https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-16-643-2016 

3. Fire Engineering Staff. (2008, September 26). Aegis in emergency and disaster response. Firefighter Training and Fire Service News, Rescue. https://www.fireengineering.com/apparatus-equipment/aegis-in-emergency-and-disaster-response/#gref 

4. Athanasis, N., Kalloniatis, C., Vaitis, M., Vasilakos, C., & Kalabokidis, K. (n.d.). Building and innovative solution for wildfire prevention and management: The “AEGIS” platform. https://vasilakos.aegean.gr/wp-content/uploads/Athanasis_et_al_2015_ECMIS.pdf  

5. CA.gov. (n.d.). Summary of projected climate change impacts on California. California Climate Adaptation Strategy. https://climateresilience.ca.gov/overview/impacts.html#:~:text=A%20model%20developed%20for%20California%27s,exceeding%2025%2C000%20acres%20by%202100 

6.CA.gov. (n.d.). GIS mapping and Data Analytics. Cal FIRE. https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fire-resource-assessment-program/gis-mapping-and-data-analytics