Optimisation of forest fire sensor network using GIS technology

In Dalmatia (Croatia) during the summer, forest fires occur very frequently causing catastrophic damage to the environment, affecting tourism and other activities. Therefore a MIS (management information system) for fire protection was conceptualised. The MIS is based on the integration of a fire protection system and a GIS of the Split-Dalmatia County with management models that evaluate ambient characteristics. GIS contains county maps with infrastructure data and objects, scale 1:25000, and new (aggregated) environmental data generated by the MIS. In view of worldwide experiences in real time forest fire detection using telecommunication systems and sensors on open areas, as well as GIS capabilities, it is possible to identify and precisely locate emergency sites as well as define an efficient approach of intervention with all relevant spatial data. Furthermore, it is possible to quickly locate distances from fire sites to emergency roads and to check the possibilities for vehicle and men transfer or potential air intervention. The MIS is also used for optimal sensor distribution on a certain area. This facility is based on multicriteria analysis and comprises protection degree maximisation, configuration of existing fibre optics cable network and "land value" of areas included in sensor protection programme. Multicriteria analysis includes vegetation characteristics evaluated in one parameter "vegetation and land value" as well as vegetation suitability for the fire dispersion and possibility to extinguish the fire (amount of pitch, tree thickness and height, average density, etc.).