Item: Project ALBINA: The technical framework for a consistent, cross-border and multilingual regional avalanche forecasting system
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Title: Project ALBINA: The technical framework for a consistent, cross-border and multilingual regional avalanche forecasting system
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Norbert Lanzanasto [ Avalanche Warning Service Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria ]
- Alex Boninsegna [ Avalanche Warning Service Bolzano - South Tyrol, Bolzano - Bozen, Italy ] [ Meteotrentino, Trento, Italy ]
- Paolo Cestari [ Meteotrentino, Trento, Italy ]
- Karel Kriz [ University of Vienna, Department of Geography and Regional Research, Working Group Cartography and Geoinformation Sciences, Vienna, Austria ]
- Daniel Nell [ University of Vienna, Department of Geography and Regional Research, Working Group Cartography and Geoinformation Sciences, Vienna, Austria ]
- Alexander Pucher [ University of Vienna, Department of Geography and Regional Research, Working Group Cartography and Geoinformation Sciences, Vienna, Austria ]
- Christoph Mitterer [ Avalanche Warning Service Tyrol, Innsbruck, Austria ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: Effective avalanche forecasting relies on two major factors: (1) a consistent danger assessment based on various sources of information and physics-based knowledge in natural processes by the forecasters and (2) a consistent and coherent way of communicating the forecasted avalanche situation. However, recent analyses showed that comparison between neighboring avalanche danger forecast systems revealed potential sources of inconsistency in both assessing and communicating avalanche situations. Therefore, starting with the winter season 2018-2019 Tirol, South Tyrol and Trentino will operationally use a common conceptual framework and communicate avalanche danger assessments under a common website: avalanche.report. We will present technical aspects underlying this common conceptual framework. The technical aspects are all based on stateof- the-art analysis and IT technologies and were chosen and applied with the ulterior motive to be generally valid when virtually merging different avalanche forecasting centers. In order to connect different avalanche warning services efficiently, a multilingual web application was developed to interactively compile and produce avalanche forecasts and exchange assessments. When using the application, forecasters of neighboring warning services can directly discuss and suggest avalanche danger situations at their boarders and adjust inconsistencies. We used the Swiss-based catalogue of phrases for describing details on the prevailing avalanche situation. Additionally to the Swiss version, we added the possibility to switch the input language from German to Italian and amplified the possibilities to better describe the stability of the snowpack. Technical aspects of user-friendly and effective maps and an appealing, vivid design complete an operative and consistent communication of information on avalanche danger to the public.
Object ID: ISSW2018_O11.5.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: software application, avalanche forecasting, avalanche warning
Page Number(s): 1045-1051
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