Forest fire growth modelling with geographical information fusion

In this paper, we are introducing a GIS-based approach for forest fire growth modelling. This work has been carried out in close cooperation with a fire brigade. It is based on data obtained on the ground and on theoretical features, e.g. Drouet-Thornthwaitepsilas formula and the elliptical fire shape hypothesis, whose relevance has been proven for Mediterranean landscapes. The corresponding model has been implemented in the framework of a forest fire suppression management system. Indeed, these interventions imply severe timing constraints. Therefore, mathematical modelling has been simplified as much as possible in order to minimize computing times. This approach allows us to make the corresponding software tool fully operational. Hence, an information fusion step turns out to be a suitable approach taking into account the various geographical and meteorological data that must be considered in the model.