Wildfire Mitigation Strategies Using Space Technologies

Paper number

IAC-05-B2.1.03

Author

Dr. Vern Singhroy, International Space University (ISU), Canada

Year

2005

Abstract

This paper reports on the results of the International Space University Team Project using space technology to improve wildfire mitigation. The strategy involves using space images and communication facilities from existing and proposed satellites to provide the tools to improve the global and national wildfire mitigation. Improved integration of information obtained from space-based assets with field information using image processing and GIS tools will provide more accurate geospatial fire data, maps and assessments, at various scales, to be used by space agencies, land management agencies, forest industry, scientists, policy makers, emergency management community and citizens affected by wildfires. The report also recommend a line of action by relevant organizations and authorities leading to the implementation of new techniques and policy guidelines to improve wildfire mitigation.
Globally, wildfires have caused major damage to property and the environment. The burning of the world biomass is also a significant source of atmospheric gases and particulates that impact the chemistry of the troposphere and stratosphere and the climate of our planet. Wildfire is an integral part of ecosystem functions and processes. The development of a wildfire mitigation strategy requires information on a fire’s natural cycle. These include fire danger and live fire monitoring, post-fire mapping of burn scars, analysis, and characterisation and mapping of the fire fuels. Wildfires are caused by human activities and by natural phenomena. Managing wildfire effectively depends on timely information, the characteristics of the geographic region and the current and evolving phase of the wildfire. In simplified models the behaviour of the wildfire depends on fuel, weather and topography. Each element has several parameters, which create a complex set of different combinations for wildfire behaviour. 
Currently several Earth Observation (EO) satellites are being used to detect, map and monitor wildfires, and the environmental and climatic factors related to mitigation and impacts. Satellite remote sensing research and applications are essential for providing required data for mapping fire fuels, monitoring fire danger and burn severity mapping. Several wildfire mapping systems integrating EO, in-situ systems and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies are currently being used. However, many technical, policy and economic challenges exist. Several ‘Firesat’ missions have been proposed and are under consideration by NASA. ESA, CNES etc, aimed at addressing some of these technical EO gaps related to wildfire mitigation. The team project has incorporated existing and proposed missions to improve mitigation strategies.

Abstract document

IAC-05-B2.1.03.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-05-B2.1.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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