DEVELOPMENT OF SMART APPLICATIONS FOR COASTAL EROSION AND LANDSLIDE RISK REDUCTION

Abstract

Purpose: Cloud computing has opened new opportunities in disastrous natural early warning. The scientific community has recognized the significance of the geo-analytic approach in complex decision-making processes for critical situations due to natural events such as coastal erosion and landslides. The paper describes the progress in the development of ITC dissemination systems for the population to promote the preparedness toward the coastal risk. Methodology: To achieve these goals an information system based on an Open Source Cloud Computing platform following a PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service) approaches has been used. Main Findings: The southern coast of Sicily (Italy) and the islands of the archipelagos of Malta are highly exposed to risks coming from the sea. Such coasts are subjected to fast erosion due to natural and anthropic causes which involve the failure of cliffs, the triggering of localized erosions, and the possibility of flooding. Implications/Applications: The research effort aims to build an interconnected framework through the implementation of smart technology, which involves surveillance, early warning, and reduction of coastal threats, with a specific goal to educate citizens regarding flood hazards, coastal waters, and degradation, cliff collapses and safety steps. Novelty/Originality of this study: The study expresses a different perspective on cloud computing to prevent the effects of disastrous natural events and to provide indications of areas susceptible to risk.