Summary:
The increase of flood inundation occuring in different regions all over the world have enhanced the need for effective flood risk management. As floods frequency is increasing with a steady rate due to ever increasing human activities on physical floodplains there is a respectively increasing of financial destructive impact of floods. A flood can be determined as a mass of water that produces runoff on land that is not normally covered by water. However, earth observation techniques such as satellite remote sensing can contribute toward a more efficient flood risk mapping according to EU Directives of 2007/60. This study strives to highlight the need of digital mapping of urban sprawl in a catchment area in Cyprus and the assessment of its contribution to flood risk. In addition the project aims to map potential areas with high risk from floods.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- CYPRUS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE
- WATER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT LTD
- NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS
Summary:
Air quality has traditionally been monitored at the surface through ground-based monitors. These monitors are used to characterize air quality and to determine compliance with ambient air quality standards. Research has been focused recently on the study of regional and intercontinental transport of air pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM10, 2.5). However, it was proved that there is need for additional data sources to monitor air pollution as it moves in multiple dimensions, both spatially and temporally. On the latter, satellite data (in terms of aerosol optical thickness) provide synoptic information and visualization to ground-based air quality data modelling. This proposal aims at developing a novel methodology based on in-situ experimental observations in order to use satellite retrievals as a tool for monitoring air particulate pollution. This methodology is applied in Cyprus, which is one of the most polluted zones over Europe, enclosing both urban and industrial sites. Within this project, observations from Lidar, sun-photometer, satellite AOT retrievals and PM10, PM2.5 concentrations at site located as well close to as far from pollution sources (both urban and industrial) will be considered.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- CYPRUS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE
- NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS
- THE PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE (USA)
- FREDERICK RESEARCH CENTRE
Summary:
The proposed project aims to establish and operate a network of port authorities and transport experts in the Mediterranean region, focusing on the exchange of knowledge and expertise with regard to port and custom procedures and simplification of clearance for vessels and cargoes. This is expected to enhance the common understanding and promote the introduction of information systems to ports operation and potentially to other intermodal modes. The MEDNET project intends to make a significant contribution towards customs procedures and simplification of clearance for vessels and cargoes in Mediterranean area through a series of activities. Initially, a state of the art analysis will record the past and current customs practices and related legislation and create a “Port Operations Observatory in the Mediterranean”, whose purpose is the transparent sharing of best practice solutions with all stakeholders, extending, thus, the knowledge dissemination among European countries and along the port community. Subsequently, the bottlenecks that hinder the efficient flow of information will be identified and current administrative, regulatory and technical barriers will be analyzed. In addition, the project will identify windows of opportunity in view of simplifying and speeding up procedures.
Consortium:
- RETE AUTOSTRADE MEDITERRANEE
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
- IGOUMENITSA PORT AUTHORITY S.A.
- PATRAS PORT AUTHORITY S.A.
- ANCONA PORT AUTHORITY S.A.
- TARANTO PORT AUTHORITY
- CENTER FOR INNOVATION IN TRANSPORT, SPAIN
- VALENCIAPORT FOUNDATION
- JONCTION
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Partner, PI: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- MARITIME INSTITUTE OF EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN
- CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY OF MARSEILLE PROVENCE
- INSTITUTE OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT LJUBLJANA L.L.C.
- CONSULTORES EM TRANSPORTES INOVAÇÃO E SISTEMAS
- INTERMODAL TRANSPORT CLUSTER
- ALBANIAN INSTITUTE OF TRANSPORT
- PORT OF RIJEKA AUTHORITY
- ZADAR PORT AUTHORITY
Website: www.mednetproject.eu/mednet-project.php?itv=9&itv_aff=full
Summary:
Atmospheric aerosols consist one of the major source of uncertainty in climate change modelling, responsible for direct, by scattering and absorbing the solar and terrestrial radiation, and indirect radiative forcing, by acting as cloud condensation nuclei. The main objective of this proposal is the development of a new integrated algorithm/tool for continuously monitoring the levels of particulate air pollution and for the retrieval of various atmospheric parameters. These parameters will be used for the atmospheric correction of satellite imagery, but also can be used for operational purposes (e.g. monitoring of the movement of large aerosol loads affecting aviation, human health, climate, monitoring the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) height to estimate the accumulation of air pollution, etc.).
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- NATIONAL AND KAPODISRTIAN UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
- NATIONAL OBSERVATORY OF ATHENS
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
- CYPRUS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICΕ
Summary:
The scope of this research project is the development and implementation of a low-altitude remote sensing system for its exploitation to archaeological applications. In addition the system can be used in other remote sensing applications. The ICAROS program has enabled the development of an autonomous remote sensing system which can now be used in many remote sensing applications.
Earth observation techniques intended for archaeological research, such as satellite images and ground geophysical surveys are well established in the literature. In contrast, low altitude airborne systems for supporting archaeological research are still very limited. The ICAROS project, , aims to develop an airborne system for archaeological investigations. The system will incorporate both a GER 1500 field spectroradiometer and NIR camera in a balloon system operated from the ground. The GER 1500 field spectroradiometer has the capability to record reflectance values from 400 nm up to 1050 nm (blue/green/red and NIR band). The Field of View (FOV) of the instrument is 4o while a calibrated spectralon panel will be used in order to minimize illumination errors during the data collection. Existing atmospheric conditions will be monitored using sun-photometer and meteorological station.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- NATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
Summary:
Cultural heritage is endangered by different environmental and human hazards such as uncontrolled urban activities, fire, earthquakes, air pollution agents, erosion, landslide, flood processes e.t.c. On site observation is the most common way of monitoring Cultural Heritage (CH) Sites and Monuments in Cyprus. However, this procedure which includes data collection, periodical observations, and multivariate risk assessment analysis, is difficult to be accomplished with the traditional practices and methods since it is time consuming and expensive. Further¬more, many archaeological sites and monuments are located at inaccessible areas, far away from the main road network and urban areas. The local legislation regarding the protection of CH sites needs to be further expanded and revised in order to overcome these problems and to be easily applicable with low cost by the local authorities and public departments of Cyprus. The general objective of this project includes the development of a new methodology and framework for monitoring Cultural Heritage Sites and Monuments of a wider area than in the case of site observation, in which the coverage is limited using new innovative technologies (satellite images, LIDAR sensor, GIS, sun-photometers etc). Such methodology can be integrated into the Department of Antiquities, municipalities’ etc decision-making process, so that preventative measures could be taken to reduce risk. Furthermore the proposal promotes sustainable development and protects CH.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY, HELLAS
- KYKKOS MUSEUM
- PAPHOS MUNICIPALITY
Summary:
The STEELCOR project aims to develop a new multi-beneficiary Research Infrastructure for the Corrosion of Concrete Steel Reinforcement and to put forward a systematic scientific research on Concrete Steel Reinforcement for the improvement of the Structural Integrity of Buildings and Structures in Cyprus. The project also aims to develop risk analysis, life cycle costing and digital mapping tools of Cyprus indentifying the risk areas due to high corrosion of concrete steel reinforcement. The mains aims of the STEELCOR project will be achieved through the following scientific and technological objectives: to evaluate the mechanical properties of different types of steel reinforcement, introduced in Cyprus over the past; to perform accelerated corrosion tests on bare steel reinforcement and concrete cast steel reinforcement; to perform fatigue testing on corroded and non-corroded steel reinforcement; to study the fractured surfaces of corroded samples; to undertake non-destructive testing of steel reinforcement and to perform static analysis on typical structures and buildings in Cyprus.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
- CYPRUS SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CHAMBER
Summary:
The aims and objectives of CASCADE are to obtain a better understanding of sudden shifts in drylands that may lead to major losses in biodiversity and concomitant ecosystem services. By focusing on vulnerable drylands as our target ecosystems, we build further on existing knowledge regarding shifts in these ecosystems. CASCADE will improve our understanding of the biogeochemical mechanisms underlying sudden and catastrophic shifts, and of the key biotic and abiotic factors influencing these processes. Based on these analyses, CASCADE will develop ways to predict the proximity of the CASCADE‘s dryland ecosystems to thresholds in such a way that these predictions can be used by policymakers and land users for more sustainable management of drylands worldwide.
Consortium:
- STICHTING DIENST LANDBOUWKUNDIG ONDERZOEK
- TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF CRETE
- UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DELLA BASILICATA
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
- UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE
- UNIVERSITY OF AVEIRO
- FONDAZIONE PER LO SVILUPPO SOSTENIBLE DEL MEDITERRANEO
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
- UNIVERSITÄT BERN
- UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT
- JOINT RESEARCH CENTRE
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Partner, PI: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY
- FUNDACION CENTRO DE ESTUDIOS AMBIENTALES DEL MEDITERRANEO
Summary:
In the context of this proposal for upgrading existing laboratory/technological equipment, the Cyprus University of Technology together with a strong Research Consortium propose the development of a State of the Art Laboratory for Hydrodynamics/Hydraulics Applications which is a prerequisite for the execution of the proposed Research Project on the optimization study for the design and operation – through computational and experimental simulation – of water supply networks. The Project aims to satisfy the dire need for authorities to solve the extremely serious problem of water supply as a result of continued water shortage. The grave and chronic problems of water losses in the water supply network pipes, the uncontrolled and non-optimum operation of pumping stations, the often wrong design of the networks because of various interventions (e.g. town planning, wrong mapping of existing networks), are some of the most important problems which need to be tackled in order to optimize the performance of the networks and, consequently, save on this precious resource, as well as, on the energy consumed.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- WATER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT LTD
- NATIONAL TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS
- ISOTHERM LTD
- PAPHOS MUNICIPALITY
Summary:
Estimates of water leakages in distribution systems in Cyprus are very high and in some towns such as Paphos, they are estimated to be more than 40% of the total water consumption of the town. This amount of water loss is crucial in times of low rainfall in the island. This project aims to use combined new technologies for the detection and monitoring of water leakages which are negatively affecting the national water reserves. This research proposal concentrates in rural and semi-rural areas, where main water pipe networks connect different areas between them. The innovative aspect of the Project is that for the first time, state-of-the-art technologies will be combined for monitoring water networks through the use of Global Positioning System, Radar Scanners, Satellite Remote Sensing and Geophysics. The data will be entered into a Geographic Information System (GIS), for the further spatial analysis. Multispectral analysis and vegetation indices using remote sensing satellite images will be used as they can be associated with water pipe leakage detection. Moreover ground geophysical surveys can provide high resolution subsurface images mapping areas of possible water leakages. The use of satellite remote sensing is ideal in Cyprus, due to the high number of cloud-free images all over the year.
Consortium:
- CYPRUS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (Coordinator: D.G.Hadjimitsis)
- WATER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
- FOUNDATION FOR RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY (FORTH), HELLAS
- FREDERICK RESEARCH CENTRE
- SOUTHAMPTON UNIVERSITY