Sistemas de informacion geografica y teledeteccion en la prevencion de incendios forestales: un ensayo en el macizo oriental de la Sierra de Gredos

Abstract

Geographic information systems and remote sensing techniques are proposed as suitable tools for mapping the spatial distribution of forest fire danger. Using an area severely affected by forest fires in central Spain as a case study, topography, meteorological data, fuel models and man-caused risk were spatialised and incorporated into a GIS. Three danger maps were generated: probability of ignition, fuel hazard and human risk, and all of them were overlaid in an integrated fire danger map, based upon the criteria established by the Spanish Forest Service. GIS makes it possible to improve disaster mitigation and to elaborate regional fire defence plans. -English summary