Project Manager: Prof. Dr. Eng. Florin POP – Scientific Researcher I

Overall objective of the project

• developing hardware, software and technology models, techniques and technologies for the retrieval, integration, processing and interpretation in real time of satellite imagery and information for the development of complex information products relevant to the major crisis prevention and disaster response structures of an integrated emergency management system, dedicated to the project beneficiary - the Romanian Space Agency.

Project description

Disaster management involves organizing and managing resources and responsibilities aimed at minimizing human and material losses. The need for reliable, real-time information to support authorities' intervention, to coordinate humanitarian activities and to address civilian security threats requires the use and analysis of satellite and multi-source data as well as rapid mapping methods.

The project focuses on:

• creating a complex geo-spatial database for visualization, processing and analysis tools;
• inventory of risk areas, of existing and necessary means for the management of major disasters and crises;
• integrated situation analysis at local, national and regional level;
• facilitating access to these information resources for those structures with responsibilities in major crisis and disaster prevention;
• building the foundation for national and regional policies and initiatives in the field;
• integration and valorisation of national expertise in support areas such as geo-spatial, geodesy, cartography, photogrammetry, remote sensing, astrophysics, optical and video data processing, security and ICT.

The achievement of the proposed system produces immediate positive economic effects by reducing the cost of analyzing and managing crisis situations, estimating the resources needed to solve crisis situations in real time and accurately as well as subsequent monitoring of the situations and problems generated.

Estimated results

• integrated information platform (HW and SW) for satellite observations, in-situ and derivative products for disaster management, managed by ROSA and accessible to legally mandated organizations;
• "mirroring" Copernicus satellite data and advanced search and access capabilities, CDI organizations receiving direct support to ensure and facilitate access to satellite data;
• the proposed system of recording, viewing, processing and reporting events / disasters, current and historical, to form a reference database of crisis / disaster situations;
• innovative services for the analysis, assessment and monitoring of emergencies / natural disasters (e.g. floods, drought, landslides, earthquakes, security, space events, search and rescue, extreme weather phenomena, etc.) delivered by to the project partners through the DIAS architecture of the proposed system;
• System management and integration tools, Galileo `Search and rescue` type alert systems;
• in-situ observation component based on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipped with visual and thermal optical / video cameras to provide real-time information from calamity areas;
• system governance design (coordination, roles, responsibilities);
• recommendations to ensure sustainability and future evolution of the proposed system.