ICT for environmental risk management in the EU research context

Abstract

The management and mitigation of natural and man-induced risks is a topic of growing worldwide concern, especially in regions where population densities and the frequency of extreme events are increasing. Risk management, being a highly multidisciplinary activity, has many facets that include the advancement of thematic and applied research, the integration and deployment of new and existing technologies, the provision of usable services for the citizens, and the need to adequately consider aspects of risk perception and communication. The EC is actively supporting research on risk management through out its programs for Research and Technological Development. The availability of high quality, rapidly accessible and secure geo-information is the basis of sound decision making for risk management and disaster prevention In particular, scientific advances in the field of information and communication technology have contributed to interoperability and harmonization of geo-spatial information, and the integration of in situ sensor networks and satellite communication for disaster alert systems. © 2005 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.