Description and objectives

The INSAFE NETS feasibility study aims to develop a new integrated system for the detection of rapidly evolving hydrogeological hazards, such as rockfalls, debris flows, and snow avalanches along transport infrastructures, for their rapid mapping and the subsequent identification of potentially affected elements.

The proposed system incorporates fiber optic networks that function as distributed sensing systems and, by exploiting polarization variation measurements, will be able to detect the occurrence of landslide events in real time, effectively contributing to landslide risk mitigation.

Specific algorithms based on artificial intelligence (AI) will be employed to process optical images provided by webcams deployed across the area affected by the event, integrated with site status information collected by drones (UAVs) capable of automatic take-off, which can be directed to the affected sites for rapid mapping and identification of the main elements involved in the event.

Within the present project, the proposed system will be conceptualized and developed up to the execution of a proof of concept and a preliminary validation in a controlled environment. A final assessment of the system’s technical and economic feasibility will follow.