Streamlined and In-Depth Investigation of Forest Fires

The struggle against wildfires extends beyond the moment the last flare is put out by firefighters. In mostcases, it has just begun. Investigating the causes and studying the impact of fire on vegetation is key for preventing similar natural disasters and for the restoration of the affected area.

While there are already high-quality tools for in-depth analysis like Google Earth Engine, that let users monitor satellite data of the terrain, these are not specifically designed for the research of wildfires. This often poses a great challenge for researchers lacking advanced programming skills.

Enabling In-Depth Analysis of Wildfires

To provide the scientific community with a tool to thoroughly monitor surfaces impacted by wildfires, Vexiza and the University of León have collaboratively developed Firemap, an online open-source platform.

Via an easy-to-use interface that merges and automates the calculation of proprietary algorithms of the Applied Ecology and Remote Sensing Research Unit, any individual can now visually determine a wildfire’s perimeter, assess its severity, and predict the affected area’s ability to regenerate.

Monitoring the Recovery of Forest Areas

With Firemap, we are able to study extensive regions that would be to assess in their entirety, and needless to say, without any need for travelling into the site. Data from sources like Google Earth Engine itself let anyone to continuous monitoring the forest regeneration process in the medium and long term.

With tools of this kind, our goal is to help the scientific community to understand how ecosystems recover themselves. By granting access to such technologies, we make it easier to create innovative approaches for addressing the conservation and resilience of our natural environments.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about Vexiza’s efforts to combat wildfires, you can find more information on our comprehensive wildfire management application.