SPATIAL DATABASES IN FOREST FIRE MANAGEMENT - CASE STUDY: WATER SPOTS (CENTRALW PORTUGAL)

This study aims to provide a spatial database model based on free and open source software and using free access data such as OpenStreet Maps. The purpose of this database is to allow storage, management and spatial analysis of the information regarding water spots of three Portuguese mainland municipalities (Pombal, Soure and Leiria). This model was designed and implemented in a PostgreSQL/PostGIS database. Using also the popular free and open-source GIS package QuantumGIS, several spatial analysis scenarios were then tested to simulate its use in real-life firefighting situations. These simulations were focused on selecting and testing relevant spatial analysis needs firefighters face when confronted with decision-making in a forest fire situation. Results seem to demonstrate the potential benefits for firefighters of using regularly updated free and open access spatial data (particularly OpenStreetMaps) and software.