Integration of temporal and spatial hazard assessment using satellite imagery

GÓMEZ, M. F. ; LENCINAS, J. D.; DEFOSSÉ, G. E.

Chania

Simposio; 4th Fire Paradox Annual meeting; 2008

Mediterranean Agronomic Institut of Chania - Fire Paradox - European Union

Forest fuels and topography are the two most influencing factors that affect fire behaviour. The use of satellite imagery and GIS has allowed to characterize these two variables with the objective of evaluating fire danger.  Our methodology was developed by using ASTER images and a hybrid classification method. We also evaluated the precision of 3 low cost Digital elevation Models (DEM) with the purpose of choosing the best option to be used in mapping topographic variables. Results showed that Aster images and the methodology employed are useful tools for mapping fuel models currently used in Patagonia. Further advances in defining new and more evolved categories would require the use of more complex techniques for their correct mapping.