Advanced processing systems convert raw data to higher level products that are fed through the WAMIS information systems. All information systems are available at no cost to the public.
This web portal is developed and maintained by the Meraka Institute, Remote Sensing Research Unit. This initiative is aligned with the South African Earth Observation Strategy (SAEOS) of the Department of Science and Technology and the Global Earth Observation, System of Systems (GEOSS). The overall objective is to maximise societal benefits derived from the large volumes of satellite data becoming available every day.
The Advanced Fire Information System (AFIS) is an operation
alert and mapping system providing near real-time information
related to the detection, monitoring and accessment of fires in
Southern Africa based on satellite data derived from the Terra
and Aqua MODIS and Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites.
The MODIS sensor on board the Terra and Aqua satellites can detect
fires as small as 50m x 50m but only passes over Southern Africa
in the monrings (±10am), afternoons (±14:00pm),
evenings (±21:00pm) and early mornings (±02:00am). The MSG
satellite is geostationary and provides 15 minute updates of fires
in Africa and Europe but at a courser resolution resulting in a
minimum fire size of 500m x 500m for detection. By combining the
satellites, the high spatial accuracy of MODIS and high temporal
frequency of the MSG data can complement one another to result in
a fire detection rate of about 65% of all fires in South Africa.
The Wide Area Monitoring Information System (WAMIS) data portal
provides satellite-based land, atmospheric and marine products
derived on a daily bases from the Terra and Aqua MODIS and
Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites. In addition to the
basic satellite data products value-added services currently
include: (i) a daily forecast of Fire Danger and (ii) real-time
visualisation of severe weather, e.g. MSG rainfall rate and winds,
also available to your mobile phone. Products can be viewed online
or downloaded. Additional value added services will be included in
future.
The SAFNET is a regional network that fosters collaborative efforts
in fire monitoring and management in southern Africa and is part of
the Global Observation for Forest and Land Cover Dynamics
(GOFC/GOLD) program. SAFNET was initiated using seed funding grants
from NASA, USAID (EMIS and GISD) and START. SAFNET's goal is to
achieve more effective and appropriate fire management policies and
practices in southern Africa through the use of remote sensing and
other geospatial information technology.
