ALPMON FINAL REPORT - ARC systems research

Contract ENV4-CT96-0359 ALPMON
� the project- and variant specific database management
� the fast input of external data (including data check) and
� the optional data storage and restoration.
In this module we have the interface to ALPMON caused by the need for grid-based data. The
Bavarian State Office for Water Resources has the opinion, that the requirements can only be satisfied
by using remote sensing data. These shall provide the basis for a detailed land use classification.
The ASGI-project also includes the scaling aspects that exist in hydrological process grid modelling
with GIS, with respect to selecting the optimal grid width.
To fulfil the requirements of the customer a multi-temporal and a multi-seasonal remote sensing
approach was planned:
� a multi-seasonal approach to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of different times of
taking satellite data within the summer period in the alpine region (e.g. shadow effects, phenological
effects),
� a multi-temporal approach for change detection purposes to demonstrate the possibilities of using
satellite data for monitoring purposes.
2.1.2.3 Austrian Institute for Avalanche and Torrent Research
The Institute for Avalanche and Torrent Research is a subdivision of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture
and Forestry, Federal Forest Research Center. Avalanche research is in charge of preparing improved
guidelines for active and passive protection from avalanches, a function also important for the Austrian
economy. The work includes the development of new control techniques, for example, forestry
measures for the management of avalanche hazard zones and hazard zone planning. Avalanche
documentation, including accident files, is an essential contribution to the improvement and
standardisation of training and education programs.
To identify potential hazard zones it is necessary to apply the criteria which have been derived from the
measurement results, such as critical degree of crown closure, critical degree of gaps in the forest,
etc., to larger areas. In order to adapt these criteria to regional variation, information is needed which
covers all the variables which cause avalanches over extensive areas. Another requirement is that this
information be available in digital form in a Geographical Information System in order to ensure that by
means of automated processes the different information levels can be integrated and crossreferenced.
So far, however, the kind of information that would fulfil the requirements outlined has not been
available. While adequate data has been compiled for some areas, it is generally too heterogeneous to
permit the integration of data into other databases. Moreover, the data only covers small areas and is
thus not easily applied to the analyses of larger areas. The aim of ALPMON is therefore to compile
standardised information for larger areas. High resolution remote sensing data permits the compilation
of vegetation parameters from which surface roughness can be indirectly deduced. These parameters
include forestry-related variables such as the distribution of different tree species, tree age, crown
closure and gaps as well as alpine pastures, scree and rocks. The digital terrain model further makes
available topographical parameters, such as slope, aspect and elevation.
Two different types of avalanche risk models are currently developed at the Austrian Institute for
Avalanche and Torrent Research:
� Empirical models, which are based on the Austrian avalanche register (restricted to slab and gliding
avalanches).
� A fuzzy model based on actual laser measurements.
All models need similar parameters from remote sensing and DEM sources. Among these, the actual
information on land use/land cover can be derived from remote sensing data. Additionally, the
topographic information (e.g. slope, aspect, inclination) can be computed using the digital elevation
model (DEM).
2.1.2.4 Centre for Avalanches and Hydrological Defence, Arabba
The Avalanche and Hydrogeological Defence Experimental Centre of Arabba is a structure of the
Veneto Regional Council, and is under the authority of the Department for Forests and Mountain
Economy. The Avalanche Centre has developed, in the frame of the EROSLOPE project (No. EV5V-
JR, RSDE, ALU, LMU, Seibersdorf, WSL 13