FireWatch: GIS-Assisted Wireless Sensor Networks for Forest Fires

Traditional satellite and camera-based systems, are currently the predominant methods for detecting forest fires. Our study has identified that these systems lack immediacy as detected fires must gain some momentum before they are detected. In addition, they suffer from decreased accuracy especially during the night, where visibility is diminished. In this paper, we present FireWatch, a system that aims to overcome the aforementioned limitations by combining a number of technologies including Wireless Sensor Networks, Computer-supported Cooperative Work and Geographic Information Systems in a transparent manner. Compared to satellite and camera-based approaches, FireWatch is able to detect forest fires more accurately and forecast the forest fire danger more promptly. FireWatch is currently scheduled to be deployed at the Cypriot Department of Forests.