Reading Summary 12 - Contribution of remote sensing to disaster management activities: A case study of the large fires in the Peloponnese, Greece.

Reference:

Gitas, I. Z., Polychronaki, A. A., Katagis, T. T., & Mallinis, G. G. (2008). Contribution of remote sensing to disaster management activities: A case study of the large fires in the Peloponnese, Greece. International Journal Of Remote Sensing, 29(6), 1847-1853. doi:10.1080/01431160701874553 Retrieved on December 5, 2013 from http://ezproxy.uvu.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=30106072&site=ehost-live

Theme:

Due to the extensive environmental damage and human losses that occur as a result of natural disasters, it is important to study to understand these effects during the disaster and shortly after they happen. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether analysis of Earth Observation (EO) data acquired through the International Charter 'Space and Major Disasters' can be successfully used to address the requirements of environmental disaster management.

Summary:

·         Remote sensing technology is recognized more and more as a powerful tool in disaster management decision making and environmental monitoring.

·         Forrest fires in the Mediterranean Europe are increasing and as a result have become a real threat to natural environments.

·         Detailed information about location and extent of the burned areas after a forest fire are important for many reasons.

·         To achieve the goal of collecting and accessing this information, the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" was established.

·         This charter uses satellites to maximize availability and rapid access of disasters and the affected countries.

·         The analysis and processing of this data has changed from a once pixel-based analysis to an object-based.

·         In 2007, Greece faced the worst disaster recorded in recent decades in terms of human losses, the number of fire outbreaks and extent of estimated burned area.

·         The aim of this work was to demonstrate how the processing of remotely sensed data acquired through international mechanisms using advanced image processing techniques can be employed on an operational basis to support the disaster management activities of local and national authorities.

·         The study area is the Peloponnese peninsula in the southern part of mainland Greece.

·         The primary source of information for the study was a Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) image from NigeriaSat-1 supplied by DMCii through the International Charter.

·         Discusses the basis for object-based analysis.

 

Application to the Lesson Topic:

Case studies continue to improve preparedness, reaction, and recovery from natural disasters. The information in this article applies to the lesson topic of media coverage because they are both analyses of what has occurred and through them we can learn what to and not to do.

Application to Emergency Services:

Emergency services constantly use case studies in order to look back and learn.  What could have been done better? What can we do if a similar incident were to reoccur? This article talks mainly about the damage to the environment, but does touch on human losses.  The analyses of  aftermath of the environment and human loss can help emergency crews know what they are up against and how they can mitigate further damage.